According to a recent study, the number of people affected by autism is on the rise. A Southeast Missouri State University sorority is seeking to raise awareness and money for the disorder.

The Alpha Xi Delta sorority at Southeast will host a 5K run and walk for Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy organization.

According to St. Louis Children's Hospital, autism is a "neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that showed an increase in the number of people with autism. The 2008 study showed that one in every 88 U.S. children has autism, a 23 percent increase since 2006 and a 78 percent increase since 2002.

According to Autism Speaks, one in every 54 boys and one in every 252 girls have been diagnosed with autism in the United States. The number of cases is higher than diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Down syndrome combined.

Lunch will be provided for participants after the race. Baskets of products and coupons from restaurants will also be raffled off. Bubbles, chalk, bags, hula hoops and face painting will be available for children and their families following the event. Members of SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, an organization that provides services to persons with disabilities to enable them to remain in their own homes and communities, will be available to answer questions and provide people with information about autism.

Kelsey Bierman, a Southeast sophomore and philanthropy chair for Alpha Xi Delta, said she hopes everyone can come out and support the cause.

"I hope that the race helps make people aware of the [rising] cases of autism," Bierman said. "We need to help make a difference."

The race will begin at 10 a.m. April 15 at Pavilion 1 at Arena Park. Registration is open until race day. The cost to participate is $20.

For more information about autism, visit the Autism Speaks website at www.autismspeaks.org.