AKRON, Ohio — This year's Step Into Autism 54-Day Challenge entails walking, running or cycling 1.54 miles for 54 days.

What You Need To Know

  • The Step into Autism 54-Day Challenge is going on now

  • At the end of the challenge, on June 19, the Autism Society of Greater Akron will host a resource fair 

  • It's estimated 50,000 people are living with Autism in Ohio, according to the CDC

The number signifies that one in every 54 children is born with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Each year, the Autism Society of Greater Akron hosts a fundraising event. This year it's being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can sign up with a team or by yourself and try to move 1.54 miles a day, whether it be walking, running, biking, or any type of movement.  

The Alderton family is part of Team Super Matthew, their son, Matthew, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old.

Now, two years later, the family is thankful for the resources that the Autism Society of Greater Akron has provided for them. 

“Of course when we found out, I was just trying to read everything that we could to find out more about autism and how we can help him,” his mom, Jennifer Alderton, said.

Matthew's parents, Jennifer and Dale Alderton said the online community has been especially helpful during the pandemic. 

"I joined their Facebook group and it's really nice to be connected to other parents who help answer questions for me," Jennifer said. 

The Autism Society of Greater Akron affiliate was founded by parents of children with autism in 1987 and they continue to provide resources to give families and people on the autism spectrum a higher quality of life. 

Executive Director Laurie Cramer said the Step Into Autism Challenge is the culmination of their yearly efforts.

"It’s just a time to come together. When we’re all together it’s a place of no judgment. It's a place where we can be ourselves, we have a great time together. It’s a place of acceptance and that’s the most important part of this event.”

To sign up for the challenge online, click here to visit the Step Into Autism Challenge website.  

On June 19, at the end of the 54-day challenge, the Autism Society will host a resource fair in downtown Akron.

As for Team Matthew, the team of seven adults and four kids will keep on moving together until the 54 days are up. 

“The kids just love to be outside and be with family," Jennifer said. "They’re so excited that everybody’s here and they just love to run and run and run so it helps them.”

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