By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Autism Society of Alabama and Chilton Autism Network are holding the Chilton County Walk for Autism on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the track at the Clanton city park.

The event will have a food truck, vendors and inflatable games. There will be activities and registration onsite starting at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:30 a.m. Teams can register, and there will be a trophy for the team with the most team spirit.

“The main reason we do the walk … is autism awareness,” Carla Easterling said.

As area representative at Chilton Autism Network, Easterling can help with finding resources, support groups and services for family or friends of people with autism.

CAN holds quarterly meetings for people with questions about autism and the lives of people affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Promoting House Bill 284 is another focus for Easterling. The bill would require all health benefit plans in Alabama to cover the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder and would require the Department of Insurance to file an annual report with the state legislature on the costs of providing treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Our children need that. Any kids right now who are receiving that, a lot of parents are having to pay out of pocket,” Easterling said. “We are doing autism awareness and awareness of the [bill]. Contact your legislature or your representative, write letters, write emails – just get involved.”

Walk for Autism is a fundraiser for the local autism network. Vendors pay a fee to be at the event. The organizers also raised money from businesses and donations in the community and all proceeds go to Autism Society of Alabama.

For more information about Chilton Autism Network, contact Easterling at 205-389-5599.

To read HB 284, visit alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/Splash_Bills.aspx.