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Run to raise autism awareness
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Mini-horses were available for children to ride during the Austintown Autism Walk on June 4 at the Austintown Township Park.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The guests who participated in the Austintown Austim Walk prepared for the 5k at Austintown Township Park on June 4.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Children participated in a Kids Fun Run on June 4 as part of the Austintown Autism Walk at the Austintown Township Park.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The Big Family Fun Walk was the last walk of the Austintown Autism Walk on June 3 at the Austintown Township Park.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
The third annual Valley Autism Walk took place on June 4 at Austintown Township Park, hosted by the Autism Society.
The Autism Walk was divided into three different walks and runs. The first run was a Kids Fun Run in which the children had the opportunity to participate in their own short run. The second was the 5k run around the park, and the final one was a Big Family Fun Walk for large families or groups to participate in.
Several groups attended the Autism Walk in matching shirts they created in support of those who have autism. Some of the groups who made matching shirts were small families, while others were a large group of people who were friends, family or coworkers.
“It’s a great opportunity for the whole community to gather and raise awareness about autism and what it’s like for families to live with a diagnosis,” said Aundrea Cika, an Autism Society board member.
A DJ, petting zoo, bounce houses and food trucks were available for people who attended the Autism Walk.
“The Autism Society is an umbrella organization for all things autism. We deal with families at Rich and Easter Seal and public schools. You don’t have to be in an autism school to be involved with us. We are a source of information,” said Cika.
People were able to pre-register for the walk or register before the walk started.
“This is my first year doing this. We just recently got involved with the Autism Society and the social group my son participates in,” said Tina Davis.
B.J. Alan, Davis’ place of employment, was one of the sponsors of the Autism Walk. Davis got involved after a friend told her about the social connections.
The Autism Society hosts several functions to raise awareness about autism and provides different events for those with autism to attend. They work with libraries, the Oh Wow! museum and other organizations to provide activities for those with autism.