Miles That Matter: Raising Awareness for Autism and Parkinson’s Disease

April is a powerful month of awareness, bringing national attention to both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s disease.  At Road Scholar Transport, awareness isn’t limited to a single month—it’s part of our mission every day.  Our 80,000-pound rolling billboards travel highways across the country, delivering freight while also spreading an important message: awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to action.

Autism Awareness: Understanding a Growing Community

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world around them.  According to the latest data from the CDC, autism now affects 1 in 31 children in the United States, a notable increase from previous estimates.  Boys are still approximately four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

While the exact causes of autism remain unknown, early identification is critical.  Some early signs to watch for include:

  • Limited or no eye contact or joyful expressions by 6 months
  • Minimal back-and-forth communication by 9 months
  • Lack of babbling or gestures (like pointing or waving) by 12 months
  • No meaningful two-word phrases by 24 months

Autism is a lifelong condition, and while there is no cure, early intervention and support services can significantly improve quality of life.  Individuals with autism may also experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, or sensory sensitivities.

Road Scholar Transport is proud to support autism awareness through our dedicated trailers, developed in collaboration with Bob and Suzanne Wright, founders of Autism Speaks.  These trucks have traveled across the country and appeared at major events, helping spark conversations and promote acceptance wherever they go.

Parkinson’s Awareness: Standing Up to a Progressive Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement.  In the United States, nearly 1 million people are currently living with Parkinson’s, and approximately 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year—a significant increase from past estimates.

While most individuals are diagnosed after age 60, early-onset Parkinson’s can occur.  Common symptoms include:

  • Tremors
  • Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
  • Muscle rigidity
  • Balance and coordination issues

Early warning signs can also include loss of smell, sleep disturbances, and changes in handwriting.

Risk factors include:

  • Age: Risk increases with age
  • Gender: Men are about 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s
  • Genetics: Family history can play a role, though most cases are not hereditary
  • Environmental exposure: Contact with certain toxins may increase risk

Although there is currently no cure, treatment options such as medication, physical therapy, regular exercise, and proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Road Scholar Transport’s Parkinson’s awareness trailer—“Stand Up and Fight Parkinson’s”—was inspired by retired attorney Joseph Coviello, who courageously battled the disease.  In partnership with local organizations and healthcare providers, this trailer continues to raise awareness and honor those living with Parkinson’s.

Driving Awareness Forward

Every mile our trucks travel represents more than just a delivery—it’s an opportunity to educate, inspire, and advocate.  By bringing visibility to autism and Parkinson’s disease, we hope to encourage early detection, support ongoing research, and foster a more inclusive and informed community.

Awareness is the first step toward change.  And at Road Scholar Transport, we’re proud to help drive that change forward—one mile at a time.

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