BANGOR – Autism is one of the most rapidly growing disabilities affecting children in Maine and throughout the United States.

Autism is now the third-most common developmental disorder – more common than Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis. There is no known, proven cure for autism. Though various treatments may provide some individuals with relative relief, current research is limited due to a lack of available funds.

The Autism Society of Maine and Stillwater Academy, a program of Community Health and Counseling Services, are joining forces to sponsor the annual Walk for Autism at noon Sunday, April 17, at the University College of Bangor.

The event is part fund-raiser, part information session and part networking opportunity for people affected either directly or indirectly by autism.

“My goal all along has been geared toward the networking part,” said Frank Spinney, a lead teacher at Stillwater Academy who is in charge of curriculum for students with severe disabilities such as autism. “There are a lot of people affected by autism who don’t know about all the resources that are available to help them, and we just want to find a way to help bring them together.”

“Parents connecting with other parents is a very important part of this,” added Cathy Dionne, parent of an autistic child and office manager for the Autism Society of Maine. “Parents want to share information with each other, and it’s also important for the community to understand that there are kids out there with autism.”

The walk will be held rain or shine. Registration is 11 a.m.-noon.

Information booths, refreshments, entertainment and face painting all will be additional parts of the event.

Those interested in participating in the two-mile walk are encouraged to pick up sponsor forms and collect pledges in advance of the event. The first 200 registered participants who have sponsor pledges of more than $50 will receive a free Walk for Autism T-shirt. To download sponsor sheets for the Walk for Autism, visit asmonline.org. For more information, call (800) 273-5200.

Proceeds from the walk will go toward the ASM’s annual summer camp for autism at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. According to recent studies, as many as 1 in 166 children born today will be on the autism spectrum.

Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other agencies, the prevalence of autism is increasing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year. At these rates, the Autism Society of America estimates the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans during the next decade.

Stillwater Academy specializes in serving students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, including autism spectrum diagnosis. Currently about a fourth of the student body at the school is autistic, Spinney said, a percentage that has risen in recent years as the prevalence of the disability has increased and there has been better recognition of the condition within the medical community.

The Autism Society of Maine is a nonprofit organization founded by a grass-roots group of parents and professionals in 1976. It serves individuals with autism and their families, professionals and communities by providing education, advocacy, referrals and resource development.