Minneapolis – The Tenth Annual Autism Society of Minnesota Steps of Hope fundraising walk will be held Sunday, February 28 beginning at 10 a.m. at Ridgedale Center (12401 Wayzata Blvd in Minnetonka).

The annual event benefits the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM), the local organization serving individuals and families living with autism. The mission of AuSM is to serve Minnesota's autism community, which is more important than ever, as national rates of diagnosed autism spectrum disorders have soared to 1 in 110.

With adult support groups and therapy, family advocacy programs, social skills groups, camps and an extensive resource directory, AuSM strives to fulfill the needs of your neighbors living with autism throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. 

Through workshops and an annual conference, AuSM keeps families and professionals at the forefront of cutting-edge research, information and therapies. AuSM is an integral part of the vibrant Minnesota autism community - a community unparalleled elsewhere in the nation. AuSM is the place families turn when in crisis.

Through our Steps of Hope Support Grant program, we invite Minnesota families, schools and service providers to request financial help to purchase goods and services they need as they work with individuals with autism.

To participate or become a sponsor of the 2010 Steps of Hope, please visit www.ausm.org, call Lisa at 651-647-1083 ext 23, or email stepsofhope@ausm.org.

The 2010 Steps of Hope is sponsored in part by KFAN Radio, Minnesota Parent, Ridgedale and Clear Channel Outdoor.

CONTACT: Molly Steinke, 952-278-3142 or molly@nemerfieger.com