Autism Walks in Georgia

September 23, 2022 Autism Walks in Georgia

Autism walks have made it easier for people to understand the challenges those with autism and their families face. Below, you can learn more about what autism walks are and how to participate in walks in Georgia.

What Are Walks for Autism?

A walk for autism is an event that spreads autism awareness and helps raise funds for medical research. Participants usually obtain support from sponsors who donate to the cause. The best walks for autism have clear goals, including:

Improving screening and prevention services
Funding breakthrough research
Helping autistic children transition into adulthood
Providing improved information and local services

Some walks are more structured, while others allow participants to go at their own pace. Some are free, while others have a small participation fee or a minimum amount of money a sponsor must provide. For these walks, many people choose to create T-shirts. If you decide to do this, opt for bright colors to help you identify your team and to help others know the purpose of the walk. People on the autism spectrum are welcomed at these events. If you want to help someone with autism participate in the walk, you should have a plan ready in case the event becomes overwhelming.

The Main Walks in Georgia

Georgia offers excellent opportunities for people who want to participate in a walk for autism. Here are the main walks to consider.

1. Autism Speaks Walk

The largest autism fundraising walk in the world, the Autism Speaks Walk, raises funds to help with research and advocacy and create essential services and programs. Because people with autism can sometimes feel overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, the walk provides quiet spaces where walkers with autism can get a bit of respite. You can participate as a Team Captain and recruit more people for your team or fundraise through Facebook and other social media platforms. You can support participants via the walk’s website. The walk allows people to meet service providers in the area and get to know other local families who face the same challenges. The Autism Speaks Walk does not charge a registration fee, but it does encourage you to set a fundraising goal. The next Atlanta walk is on October 1, 2022. It begins at 8 a.m. with registration and concludes at 11 a.m. The walk begins at The Battery Atlanta, located at 800 Battery Avenue SE in Atlanta, GA. For more information, call 470-924-0639 or email MidSouth@AutismSpeaks.org.

2. Georgia Race for Autism

The Georgia Race for Autism helps Spectrum Support Group fund summer camps and clubs for people in the community who are on the autism spectrum. Along with a 5K race, the event also features a one-mile Fun Run, a 100-yard dash, and a Tot Trot, allowing entire families to participate. Race day coincides with the Fall Festival, which includes the following fun activities:

Petting zoo
Pony rides
Inflatable slides
Bounce house
Cornhole games
Hayrides
Velcro sticky wall
Face painting
Hamster balls
Inflatable obstacle course

There will also be a clown, a silent auction, and food vendors that offer gluten-free options. You can register as a vendor, sponsor, or race participant. Participant fees are $30 for the full 5K run, $25 for the one-mile run, and $20 for the Tot Trot and 100-yard dash. The race begins at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds at 405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville, GA. You can learn more by contacting claire@atl-spectrum.com

Help Autism Research and More

Whether you have a family member or another loved one on the autism spectrum or want to help people in your community who do, joining these events is a great place to start. Contact the race or walk to register and reserve your spot. If you are looking for the best ABA therapy in Georgia give us a call. Our friendly team is ready to answer any of your questions.