April is Autism Acceptance Month: 1 in 31 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism
Register by April 3rd to guarantee a T-Shirt.
(Boyne City, Michigan) North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) is sponsoring its 11th Annual Autism Acceptance Walk on Sunday, April 26, 2026 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, NCCMH 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 condition 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 31 children. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.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 Event Brite at https://tinyurl.com/mrxmnm2v to access the registration form and information.
