Steps for Autism
- COMMUNITY . INCLUSION . AWARENESS
Join Northwest Autism Center for the 10th annual 5k Walk/run/roll Steps for Autism on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at Riverfront Park’s Ice Age Playground
Event sponsors
SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH AUTISM AND THEIR FAMILIES
Event organizer
Steps for Autism promotes community inclusion and integration through the engagement of families with children of all ages who have autism.
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.
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 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.
Event details
When the clock strikes noon on Saturday, April 26, hundreds of walkers and runners (and strollers!) are expected at Riverfront Park for Spokane’s 10th annual 5k Steps for Autism. The event caps off Autism Awareness Month and is being presented by Northwest Autism Center.
Steps for Autism is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the lives and relationships of those touched by autism. This annual event promotes community inclusion and integration; healthcare providers walking alongside clients, teachers walking alongside students, and families walking alongside neighbors demonstrating the care and investment in each other that our region is known for.
In the vendor village, participants will find several autism-friendly businesses and resource providers throughout the event and available for questions.
Rain or shine, the Spokane community is encouraged to join the fun and help make this the most caring stroll ever! The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the 5k walk/run/roll beginning at noon at the Ice Age Playground.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, April 26, 2025
11:00 a.m. Participant check-in and registration
Noon – 2 p.m. 5K Walk/Run/Roll
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Family fun activities
Those participating in the 5k walk/run/roll will start at the Riverfront Park’s Ice Age Playground and follow the Centennial Trail following it to the east toward Gonzaga University. From here participants will cross over the Centennial Trail Engineering Bridge, continuing west back toward N. Washington Way and crossing over King Cole Way, follow the loop around Havermale Point and past the Forestry Shelter. Then head southwest to cross over the Rivertrail bridge back to the Centennial Trail. Participants will continue on the trail and pass around the southside of the Looff Carrousel, heading west past the Rotary Fountain toward Post street. Then swing around the Joy of Running Together Sculpture, head north up to the Park Trail before going east back onto the Centennial Trail. Participants will then follow the river toward the North Howard Street bridge. crossing the bridge across Havermale Island and Canada Island toward the finish line back at the Ice Age Playground.
become a sponsor
Local businesses and organizations, we welcome you to help make our 8th annual Run, Walk, Roll 5k a success. Proceeds benefit all of the individuals and the families we serve. Your sponsorship will help raise awareness of autism and other developmental disabilities within our region. It’s also an opportunity to increase your own brand recognition and show your commitment to philanthropy. Sponsorship is a great way to give back while also showing your community involvement. With your sponsorship, you are helping us serve a mission that is bigger than any one organization.
Advertising & vendor booths
Steps for Autism draws crowds of more than 500 participants and attracts hundreds more who are in Riverfront Park on event day. Your ad or local business can also expect visibility by the more than 3,000 social media followers of Northwest Autism Center. Additionally, Our website also extends your advertising reach, receiving more than 4,500 hits every year during this community event. Ready to participate? simply fill out the form below!
All exhibitors and vendors are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and licenses. Vendor booths are to be interactive and informational only, no sales are allowed during this event. City of Spokane – Taxes & Licenses: 509-625-6070 Spokane County Health District: 509-324-1594
Volunteer with us
Every year the success of Steps for Autism depends on volunteers like you! If you’re looking to make a positive difference in the lives of those with ASD or other developmental disabilities, sign up to be a volunteer today! We need volunteers to help with set-up, passing out t-shirts monitoring the 5k route and directing people where to go. Interested? Just fill out the form below!
Address
528 E Spokane Falls Blvd Suite 14 Spokane, WA 99202
Call Us
(509) 328-1582 Mon - Thu, 8:00-4:30, Fri 9:30-2:30
Cancellations: (509) 204-8483
Email Us
info@nwautism.org