From Autism Delaware, Kris Grant, Development Manager, McKenzie ‘Kenzie’ Walsh, Marketing and Communications Manager, and Susan Campbell, Community Engagement Specialist, discussed the statewide programming offered by Autism Delaware. With one in 36 kids receiving an Autism diagnosis, families need whole-life, holistic support and Autism Delaware offers help with education, jobs and social opportunities. They discussed their beginnings as a grassroots family group looking for support and ideas for navigating the systems with a child with autism. Today they offer programming statewide with multiple opportunities for families to socialize and support each other.  They schedule bowling and skating events, as well as holiday parties for the clients and families.

They talked about the job programming and the value of their clients on the job, they are looking for employers who need a reliable, dedicated employee. They also noted they need a lot of volunteers to run their events and there are opportunities across the state to get involved.

We discussed the 2023 Walk for Autism, this year April 13th at Fort DuPont in Delaware City and April 20 at Hudson Fields in Sussex County.     There are two start times at each to allow for casual walking and spacing, and teams and individuals can repeat the loops to raise more money. It’s family friendly and offers space for kids who need quiet time.

Autism Delaware’s services are free, thanks in part to the walks.   Walk-ups are welcome, but there are t-shirts and other incentives to pre-register. To register go to AutismDelaware.ORG