Each year, the Autism Society of Maryland's Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run brings together those touched by Autism and members of the broader community in a supportive, energizing, fun environment. Join us! Together we are #AutismStrongMD. The goal is to raise $160,000 toward programs and services for the local Autism community that is more than 8,000 strong!

The 2024 Walk & 5K Run

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 finishers4K Walk around Centennial Lake1K Stroll for those seeking a shorter walk distance

Can't join us at Centennial Park on October 5? Register to participate Virtually at a time and location of your choosing.

Participating In-Person? – CLICK to learn moreParticipating Virtually? – CLICK to learn more Become a Fundraiser

In addition to participating as a runner or walker, 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 in your e-mail signatureSet up an integrated Facebook fundraiser to effortlessly reach your supportersBuild 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 the age of 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 5 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.

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!

Since 1993, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) has served Autistic individuals of all ages, their families, and the community. In October 2023, AUSOM officially expanded its service area to include Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties. We're excited for 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 over 11 communities across the country, one of them in Maryland. This increasing prevalence estimates underscore the need for equitable supports and services in the Autism community. The increase, up from 1 in 44, can be attributed to a variety of factors, including an increased rate of diagnosis. 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 explore life's infinite possibilities.

Now more than ever, #EveryStepCounts. With your support, AUSOM can continue to provide critical services, raise awareness, acceptance, inclusion and educate the public about the complexities of Autism. Thank you!

#AutismStrongMD #EveryStepCounts

Questions?  Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure the health and safety of all participants, AUSOM reserves the right to convert, at any time, the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run into an all-virtual event.