More than $43,000 was raised for the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center in its annual Walk for Autism event on April 27, where the autism community came together to celebrate inclusion and connection.
The symbolic walk began and ended under a green balloon arch at the center of Mission Plaza, while members of the Cal Poly Dance Team and student volunteers showed support for the community throughout, said Carly Spears, Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center executive director and a Cal Poly alum.
“Our goal for the walk every year is just to make sure that the community — the people with autism, their families and the people who support them — feel like they have a community that’s there for them,” Spears said. “We want them to feel like they’re supported and like they’re part of something. That’s always the goal.”
According to the center’s website, all proceeds from the walk will go toward its annual summer camp and other activities.
Before the walk began, participants mingled through the resource fair, which featured booths offering child-friendly activities, service providers, games and food. According to Spears, families arrived from across the Central Coast with face paint, team colors and several homemade posters to support their loved ones.
At one of the booths, autistic author Keagan Kelso sold his picture books, inspired by Dr. Seuss. He sold out by 4 p.m., selling over 50 copies of his books, and noted that next year he will have to bring more.
“I like to write books because writing a book, you see, is important,” Keagan said. “It’s great and it’s cool.”
The Walk for Autism is an opportunity for autistic individuals like Keagan to highlight their passions and be celebrated for them, said Keagan’s father, Brandon Kelso. Being recognized by such a large community offers a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the event, Brandon said.
“It gives us a community that’s accepting,” Brandon said. “You can be loud, you can be different. You can definitely not be normal, because honestly, nobody is normal. But here, you are completely accepted for being different, and you’re applauded for being different.”
Neurodiversity is still often misunderstood, Spears said, making events like the Walk for Autism a reminder of the importance of visibility, representation and unity for the community.