The 3rd Annual Autism Walk and Safety Fair will be this Sunday at Parkland College, said Sally Mustered, Associate Director of Champaign-Urbana Autism Network.

“The purpose of the event is really a two fold approach. It is to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and it is a major fundraiser,” Mustered said.

The funds are for both local projects and for Autism Society of Illinois, Mustered said. She added that 15 percent of the money would go to Autism society of Illinois while the rest will help support community programs that C-U Autism Network provides during the year.

“The heart of what we do is have a monthly meeting for the families,” Mustered said. “We bring in speakers to talk about certain issues and allow networking opportunities for families.”

Mustered described how families with autistic children may become isolated and so providing these networking opportunities is beneficial for families to socialize.

The event starts Sunday at 11 a.m. and goes until 4:30 p.m., with the walk beginning at 2:30 p.m. The walk route is around Parkland College buildings and usually takes a half hour, Mustered said.

“It is more of a symbolic (walk) than actual kilometers,” she said. “Other than the walk we also have a family fun day.”

The fire department and Champaign police department will be sending representatives for safety demonstrations, Mustered said. Furthermore, there will be a resources center for families to get more information.

Registration for the walk is at the gym and it is $20 for adults, $10 for students with an id, and five dollars for children under 12.

“Last year we had about a thousand people attend and we would like to see at least that many this year too,” Mustered said.