Sarah Palin Joins Walk for Autism in NY

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is using her public profile to draw attention to the needs of those with autism and other developmental disabilities in the New York metropolitan area.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate is scheduled to join a fundraising walk for the group Autism Speaks in Westchester County on Sunday.

Then she is to be honored on Long Island later in the day at an anniversary celebration for Independent Group Home Living Inc.

Palin's youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome.

More than 20,000 people turned out to see Palin on Saturday in Auburn in upstate New York, where she helped officials celebrate Founder's Day and raise money for a museum honoring William Seward. He was the secretary of state who acquired Alaska for the United States in 1867.

The focal group for autism awarenes and fund-raising is Autism Speaks .