North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) is sponsoring the (9th annual) Autism Acceptance Walk for all individuals with Autism, family, friends, and the community. The walk will be about a half mile in length. There will be drawings for great prizes and fun activities for families. Whether you have a personal connection to autism or simply want to be part of a compassionate community, this event is for you. Come together with friends, family, and fellow advocates to make a positive impact. Onsite registration begins at 9 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

We walk to support one another, to celebrate those who are on the spectrum and those who live with or love someone with Autism. We walk to increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and promote inclusivity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today and the prevalence continues to increase.

Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with Autism has a distinct set of strengths and areas of need. Research has made clear that high quality early intervention services including Applied Behavior Analysis can improve learning, communication, and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.

Event organizer Christine Dillon notes that about 215 people participated in the 8th annual walk last year. Participation has been continuing to grow each year with many returning participants from as far away as the Grand Rapids area.