The Autism Acceptance Crew
I'm hoping that this event will be an opportunity for folks on the spectrum, their families, and mental health care providers to come together to show support for autism acceptance. Autism acceptance means advocating for someone on the spectrum's comfort, not for their potential to look like non-autistic individuals, if they "try hard enough."
We are who we are and that is enough.
We walk together to show our acceptance for ourselves, our loved ones, and others like us.
Walk / Fun Run Date is: Saturday, September 14!
You must register online by noon on Wednesday, September 11, to participate.
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism will be held at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher.
Event Schedule:
* 8:00 a.m. - Packet pickup begins
* 9:00 a.m. - 5K competitive and non-competitive runs begin
* 9:15 a.m. - 1 mile fun run/walk begins
If a mile seems like a lot for someone in your family, consider training together. This could be a great way to practice goal setting and supporting your loved one as they reach their goal. There's plenty of time to train. Remember to start off small. Set goals that you know your loved one can obtain, even if it's going down the driveway to get the mail, do that a handful of time and then gradually progress.
There will be people there of all ages and abilities. You're welcome to wear noise cancelling headphone and not interact or to only interact with your family. Everyone at this event is touched by or has autism. It's somewhere where everyone understands us and a very special opportunity.
You could make it a family tradition.
Raising money for organizations like the Autism Society helps provide them with the ability to help more families in need.
The Autism Society of North Carolina is the leading statewide resource organization serving people across the autism spectrum throughout their lifespans.
We understand the challenges of the autism community because we work with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families every day. We offer advocacy, training and education, and direct care that helps individuals with autism to, increase their social and communication skills, develop independent-living skills, succeed in school or on the job, participate in community activities, and advocate for themselves.
We have a statewide network of resources, connecting individuals with autism and their families to life-changing programs and supports unavailable anywhere else.
