- community . inclusion . awareness
Steps for Autism
Join Northwest Autism Center for the 9th annual 5k Walk/run/roll Steps for Autism on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Riverfront Park.
Event organizer
Steps for Autism promotes community inclusion and integration through the engagement of families with children of all ages who have autism.
Northwest Autism Center serves the inland northwest and exists to build, facilitate and coordinate comprehensive services for those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Using community-based approaches, Northwest Autism Center has served more than 5,000 families since 2003 and continues to expand services related to diagnosis, treatment and individual and family support. Services are provided in home and onsite, and include an intensive day treatment program (accessible to children enrolled in one of the five Washington State managed care plans), social skills groups and provider education opportunities.
Event Sponsors
Pepperworth Consultants
The Starting Line
In 2013, a local mom of a child with autism, wanted to show her appreciation for the services and support provided to her son and family through Northwest Autism Center.
The energetic and thoughtful mom approached Northwest Autism Center and requested help in developing an awareness walk welcoming those with autism, their families and friends, and all those from the broader community in which we live and work. She wanted to create an annual event bringing everyone together in a spirit of inclusiveness and fun. Out of that initial vision, the first Steps for Autism event was born in 2015. The event was so well received by families, Northwest Autism Center committed to continuing the truly inclusive event and reached out to other organizations to participate in and expand its annual launch.
What People Are Saying
It’s so nice to come to an event where people are thoughtful and understanding. Sometimes it’s so hard for our family to go out places without being stared at or judged. At the walk I can just let my guard down and enjoy time with my friends and family – all while raising awareness.
Race participant
2022
I love seeing the community come together for such an inclusive event. It’s wonderful to see the network of support for people with autism and their families.
Vendor
2022
My son is profoundly autistic so having events like this that are sensory friendly and where he isn’t judged is a Godsend. There are few events my son can attend and Steps for Autism has been a shining star in his life.
Father of autistic son
2019