3 Annual Charity Events That Promote Autism Awareness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 44 children in the United States are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The developmental disability is typically characterized by poor social skills and communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors. People with ASD may also have some learning or moving challenges. 

With the estimated lifetime cost of autism ranging between $1.4 million to $2.4 million, it is crucial that affected families have access to the right fundraising organizations for autism awareness. There are many autism fundraising ideas to consider, including designing custom lanyards that share your specific goals and needs or setting up an online community page. 

Either way, autism awareness raises support for those who suffer from the disability while also promoting the advancement of autism care. Here are 3 annual charity events that promote autism awareness that also help raise funds for families that may require financial help. 

• Autism Speaks 

Autism Speaks is the largest autism organization in the country and regularly hosts various events for awareness and autism research. Since 2020, it has focused more on providing online support events to several local schools. These support groups are usually for parents and teachers who want to know more about ASD, its different manifestations, and how to provide the proper care for those with the disability. 

For 2023, there are at least 20 online support events that interested parties can register for on their website. There will also be monthly “Supporting Siblings” Zoom calls that allow children or teens with a sibling with ASD to meet each other and find support. 

Culminating each year is the “Autism Speaks Walk” which is the world’s largest autism fundraising event. They hold walks in various towns and counties around the United States and help parents, families, friends, and providers show their solidarity in advancing critical programs and services for those with ASD. 

Those who are walking with a person with ASD should take special precautions not to overwhelm the individual, as some ASD manifestations include certain sensory sensitivities. It is best to plan your route around a quiet area. 

• Organization for Autism Research 

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a unique nonprofit that doesn’t host any events of its own but helps donors in building a personalized fundraising run donation. The goal is to create your own RUN FOR AUTISM page where the funds you will receive for running will support OAR’s mission. 

On the donation page, individuals can include pictures of themselves or for those they are running for. Anyone can also tell their personal story about why they are joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, whether it’s for their child, sibling, friend, or even for themself. Then, they can set a fundraising goal, with various donation tiers. For example, it’s possible to set a goal of $2,500 at 100 donations of $25 or 50 donations of $50. 

The money raised will advance autism research and host education and awareness campaigns around the country. OAR also works with general education teachers to give them the tools and resources they need to properly care for a child with ASD. 

Many of those who join the RUN FOR AUTISM team also use the program for their fitness goals. Some individuals incorporate their runs as part of their strongman or ironman marathons. 

• Autism Society of North Carolina 

The Autism Society of North Carolina makes the list because of its complete transparency of where its funds go. Each year, it hosts a 5k run to improve autism care programs for those with ASD and their families. As its name states, all of its funds go directly to autism awareness programs within North Carolina.  

Further differentiating itself from other charity organizations, the Autism Society also regularly partners with local businesses to raise awareness. For example, it will host a Spring Jam festival with Keller Williams Realty Platinum on April 29, 2023 and will feature four local bands. One hundred percent of the donations will fund autism care research in the state. 

To date, North Carolina is considered one of the better states in the country for autism support. In fact, in 2021, Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill that helps people with ASD in the state have easier access to behavioral therapy. 

There are a lot of potential fundraising ideas for autism awareness, and the three annual events      listed above are only just the tip of the iceberg. The best recommendation would be to choose a charity that resonates on a personal level, whether it’s how they use their donations or their specific stance on autism care. Interested individuals can also decide to wear their support instead with a custom wristband or lanyard.