URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — At this year’s annual event for the Champaign-Urbana Autism Network, more than 300 people came out to support the cause.
“It’s a great event for all the kids to see that there are other kids like them, families to see other families like them,” said Dianne Gordon.
Gordon and her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, participate in the Autism Walk and Resource Fair held annually in Urbana, making this the 14th year the event has taken place.
“Our goal is to desensitize our kids to everyday things like the police,” said Executive Director Julie Duvall.
Duvall also said this is a space for kids and adults to be themselves. She said some people on the spectrum may feel judged by others.
“Because you have autism, you’re different, you’re not less, Duvall said. “And we are just as entitled.”
But that doesn’t have to be the case, even though it may cause worry.
“As a parent, it’s like, what? What’s my kid going to do?” Gordon said.
Gordon said it’s a treat to see them grow.
“As we observe her growth, as one of my other friends puts it, every little ‘inch stone’ she achieves instead of a milestone is worthy of celebration,” Gordon expressed. “There’s much joy in that.”
Gordon said she’s seen her daughter hit all sorts of breakthroughs.
“She’s been wearing a hat continuously since she was four years old,” she mentioned. “This summer, she removed her hat and allowed someone to style her hair so she could participate in gymnastics. It was incredible, and I’ll admit, I did shed a tear.”
And something as simple as taking off her cap can be one of the little moments that makes her growth so special.
For more information on the event that lasted from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, click here.
