Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism highlights resources for families

Organizers hope to spread the message of autism awareness during a family-friendly event this weekend in Tuscaloosa.

The 20th annual Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism will be held from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday at Sokol Park, 5901 Watermelon Road.

More: Arts 'n Autism opens new pre-K readiness program with sensory room

The event, hosted by the nonprofit group Arts 'n Autism, will include a special walk for autism acceptance, inflatables, a live DJ, face painting, a gaming truck, a resource fair and more. Registration costs $30 per person, which includes a wristband for all of the entertainment, an event T-shirt and an expedited check-in.

"It's just an opportunity for the community to come together, have a good time, do something good together and be inclusive," said Nikki Beard, events coordinator for Arts 'n Autism.

Arts 'N Autism, which was established in Tuscaloosa in 2004, offers a range of services for families with young children through young adults who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Those services include pre-school and after school programs, a summer camp, respite care for families and vocational day programs.

Beard said the Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism is inclusive to everyone and will be a good opportunity for the community to come together while promoting autism acceptance.

"The numbers for autism are rising and I don't really see a decrease in that number anytime soon," Beard said.

According to the Arts 'n Autism website, the Centers for Disease Control reported that around one in every 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.​ In Tuscaloosa County alone, there are more than 1,200 children under the age of 18 years, identified with ASD.

The focus of the Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism will be the resource fair, which will allow families to connect with available services within the community.

"Whether you have a neurotypical child or a child with any diagnosis, there's always support that your family could benefit from," Beard said.

For more information about Sunday's event, go to https://www.artsnautism.org/tuscaloosa-autism-walk-2024 .

For more information about Arts 'n Autism, go to www.artsnautism.org or call 205-247-4990. Arts 'n Autism's office is at 2625 Eighth St.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism highlights resources for families