North Country CMH Sponsors 10th Annual Autism Acceptance Walk
April is Autism Awareness Month: 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism
(Boyne City, Michigan) North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) is sponsoring its 10th Annual Autism Acceptance Walk on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Boyne City. On-site registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. (approximately a half mile in length). Registration fee is $12. All participants will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of many great prizes including gift cards and special give-aways. Must be present to win.
All Autistic individuals, family, friends, and the community are invited to join together to walk in support of Autism awareness.
The event organizer, Dr. Christine Dillon, Director of Children and Family Services, noted, “We continue to see many returning participants and families, and welcome new people every 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 added, “It is incredible to live in northern Michigan and experience people from all over the state coming together to support one another.”
According to Dr. Dillon, “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause differences in social, communication, and behavior skills and can affect everyone differently. Providing neuroaffirming care is essential in working with Autistic youth and their families. Neuroaffirming care includes respecting an individual’s strengths, valuing each person’s uniqueness, building therapeutic connection, and providing individualized supports.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that ASD affects 1 in 36 children. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html)
Research shows that early intervention treatment services may improve a child’s development and help them learn important skills. Early intervention services may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy to support the child’s developmental milestones. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one support that is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association.
For more information about the Autism Acceptance Walk or to register, contact Dr. Christine Dillon at (231) 347-9605, ext 3606, or cdillon@norcocmh.org, or visit https://AutismAcceptanceWalk2025.eventbrite.com to access the registration form and information.
