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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The ninth annual Walk for Autism took place on Saturday at Schenectady's Central Park. Nearly 1,000 people came out for the 5K to support the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis. According to event organizers, the cause of the disorder is unknown and there is no cure, so they are raising awareness by educating the public on what autism is.

Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy and County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara were on hand to honor the Elks of Rotterdam with their community award. Santabarbara is the parent of a child on the spectrum and said he found reaching out to the society has been helpful.

"When my son was first diagnosed, we didn't really know much about autism. We didn't know how to move forward, and it's the community support that makes a difference for us, and this group in particular is there to provide that support," said Santabarbara.

The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region serves 12 counties. The society said autism spectrum disorder are diagnosed in one out of every 88 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. For more information, visit www.albanyautism.com.