BOYNE CITY — North Country Community Mental Health is sponsoring its 11th Annual Autism Acceptance Walk to support awareness and community connection.
The walk is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 26 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Boyne City.
On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. for the half-mile event. The registration fee is $12. Participants will be entered into a drawing for gift cards and giveaways but must be present to win.
Dr. Christine Dillon, the North Country Community Mental Health director of children and family services, said she continues to see returning participants alongside new attendees each year.
“The outpouring of support from our communities for this event continues to exceed the expectations we had when we began this event a decade ago,” Dillon said.
“It is incredible to live in Northern Michigan and experience people from all over the state coming together to support one another,” Dillon said.
Dillon said autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes differences in social communication and behavior skills.
She said providing neuroaffirming care that respects individual strengths and provides individualized support is essential.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 31 children. Research indicates early intervention services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy may improve development.
Applied behavior analysis is also considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.
More information is available by contacting Dillon at (231) 347-9605 or cdillon@norcocmh.org. Registration forms are available at this link.
Additional data on autism research can be found at this link.