Every year, Howard County’s Autism Society has brought together the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run which are here to show their support for individuals in the autism community and broader community, in an environment of amusement. This year, we are hosting on October 7th, 2023 at Centennial Park, Ellicott City Maryland which features 3 runs which are a timed 5k run, a 4k walk, and a 1k stroll. Join us by helping us raise $160,000 towards programs and services of local Autism communities that are more than 8,000 communities strong.
There are many ways for you and your family and friends to participate this year! Register to participate in any of the following events.
Timed 5K Run around Centennial Lake with awards for male, female, and nonbinary finishers
4K Walk around Centennial Lake
1K Stroll for those seeking a shorter walk distance
Can't you join us at Centennial Park on October 7? Register to participate Virtually at a time and location of your choosing.
Participating In-Person? – https://runsignup.com/Race/EveryStepCountsAutismWalk5K/Page-3
Participating Virtually? – https://runsignup.com/Race/EveryStepCountsAutismWalk5K/Page-11
Become a Fundraiser
In addition to participating as a runner or walkers, we invite participants to become fundraisers to help us reach our goal of $160,000. Here are some fundraising tips:
Ask for Donations – invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to support you
Build a Team – Invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to run or walk with you and ask them to reach out to their networks
Share your Fundraiser and/or Team URLs in social media posts and your e-mail signature
Set up an integrated Facebook fundraiser to effortlessly reach your supporters
Build some friendly competition with other participants to encourage spirit, team-building, and fundraising capacity
Event Village
The Every Step Counts event village will be back better than ever. Be sure to arrive early to visit with our event sponsors and vendors. Bring the kids! Kids under 11 can walk or run for FREE but registration is required. Take in the family-friendly fare that will include inflatables, entertainment by roving circus performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters. Fill your tank with tasty refreshments. Event highlights at Centennial Park on October 7 will be shared on social media to put participants and spectators, regardless of their location, in the center of the action as the event unfolds.
Become a Sponsor
Leading up to the event, sponsors and community supporters will be recognized on the event website, on social media, and in promotional materials. On-site at the event, sponsors and other supporters will be featured on signage and in event highlights posted to social media. Visit the Sponsor page to learn more.
Sign Up to Volunteer
We look forward to welcoming back our volunteers. We're offering all of the traditional volunteer tasks associated with an in-person foot race. Sign-up is easy. Visit the Every Step Counts Volunteer page to select a task and sign up online. Or click HERE to download a Volunteer Application.
Together, We Can Make a Difference!
For 30 years, the Howard County Autism Society has served Autistic individuals of all ages, their families, and the community. In Summer 2023, HCAS will officially expand its service area to include Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties. We're excited about this opportunity to connect with more members of the Maryland Autism community.
Nationally the prevalence of Autism is estimated at 1 in 36 births by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and 1 in 43 in Maryland (1 in 27 for boys and 1 in 116 for girls). These estimates looked at 8-year-olds in 11 communities across the country, one of them in Maryland. This increasing prevalence estimate underscores the need for equitable support and services in the Autism community. The increase, up from 1 in 44, can be attributed to various factors, including an increased diagnosis rate. In short, this means that, while diagnostic screening and identification are improving in some ways, the prevalence rate is also increasing.
As we receive these newest rates of diagnosis, the Autism Society recommits itself to supporting and connecting all of our community members. We will continue to address needs by offering information and referral services, Special Education resources and consultations, social and support opportunities for individuals and families, and advocacy to improve the quality of and access to Autism-related services and local, state, and national resources. We promote Autism acceptance. which values the dignity and uniqueness of each Autistic person and opens the door to exploring life's infinite possibilities.
Now more than ever, #EveryStepCounts. With your support, HCAS can continue to provide critical services, raise awareness, acceptance, and inclusion, and educate the public about the complexities of Autism. Thank you!
#AutismStrongMD #EveryStepCounts
Questions?  Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@howard-autism.org.