Steps for Autism

Join Northwest Autism Center and the Autism Society of Washington for the 8th annual 5k Walk/run/roll Steps for Autism on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Riverfront Park.

supporting people with autism and their families

Principal Sponsors

Steps for Autism promotes community inclusion and integration through the engagement of families with children of all ages who have autism.

Northwest Autism Center

Northwest Autism Center serves the inland northwest and exists to build, facilitate and coordinate comprehensive services for those with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Using community-based approaches, Northwest Autism Center has served more than 5,000 families since 2003 and continues to expand services related to diagnosis, treatment and individual and family support. Services are provided in home and onsite, and include an intensive day treatment program (accessible to children enrolled in one of the five Washington State managed care plans), social skills groups and provider education opportunities.

Autism Society of Washington

The Autism Society of Washington promotes lifelong community access for persons within the autism spectrum including those with Asperger’s Syndrome through family support, public awareness, advocacy and collaboration with community partners. This is done through education and advocacy and by mobilizing local chapters to create safe and inclusive communities for individuals with autism throughout their lifetime. The vision of the Autism Society of Washington is that every person with autism has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential and be fully included in communities across Washington State.

Thank you to all of our 2023 sponsors!

how it began

The Starting Line

In 2013, a local mom of a child with autism, wanted to show her appreciation for the services and support provided to her son and family through Northwest Autism Center.

The energetic and thoughtful mom approached Northwest Autism Center and requested help in developing an awareness walk welcoming those with autism, their families and friends, and all those from the broader community in which we live and work. She wanted to create an annual event bringing everyone together in a spirit of inclusiveness and fun. Out of that initial vision, the first Steps for Autism event was born in 2015. The event was so well received by families, Northwest Autism Center committed to continuing the truly inclusive event and reached out to other organizations such as Autism Society of Washington to participate in and expand its annual launch.

What People Are Saying

It’s so nice to come to an event where people are thoughtful and understanding. Sometimes it’s so hard for our family to go out places without being stared at or judged. At the walk I can just let my guard down and enjoy time with my friends and family – all while raising awareness.

I love seeing the community come together for such an inclusive event. It’s wonderful to see the network of support for people with autism and their families.

My son is profoundly autistic so having events like this that are sensory friendly and where he isn’t judged is a Godsend. There are few events my son can attend and Steps for Autism has been a shining star in his life.