Steps for Autism event connects families to resources, community

New reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 1 in 36 people in Minnesota are diagnosed with autism, making it the fastest-growing disability in the state.

The Steps for Autism event Sunday in St. Paul aimed to make life a little easier for families affected by autism.

“Autistic people tend to need supports that are related to communication or socializing but how each individual person experiences that might be a little different,” said Ellie Wilson with Autism Society of Minnesota. “There’s also an enormous multitude of talents and skills that present across a very wide autism spectrum.”

That wide spectrum can make it tricky to get a diagnosis or find the right resources, Autism Society of Minnesota said.

Steps for Autism is one piece to the larger puzzle to build awareness and create a path to readily available information. Hundreds showed up to the event at Como Lake, walking jogging or just joining in to help raise money for services.

Autism Society of Minnesota also offered new information and resources for those who need it, helping families feel less alone.

“Connecting with people who are on your level and understand, like, where you are at and what we need and the services, it’s just really nice … to just connect with people who get it,” said Chelsea Moritz, who attended the event.