14th Annual Autism Awareness Expo & Walk to be held by Advocates for Autism Resource Center in Dawson

DAWSON, Ga. – Thousands of people are expected to make their way out to Dawson this weekend as the Advocates for Autism Resource Center is holding their 14th Annual Autism Awareness Expo.

Lisa Perry, the Director of the Advocates for Autism Resource Center has been hosting the event since 2009.

The Autism Walk and Expo helps put families with members who have autism in contact with the proper resources.

“We have several resources in the community, and surrounding area that are going to bring in helpful resources to parents in the community on autism,” said Lisa Perry, Director, Advocates for Autism Resource Center.

The walk and expo has only gotten bigger in recent years, with 2023’s iteration bringing over 3,500 people to Terrell county.

Lisa says the center is expecting nearly 4,500 people on Saturday.

And, considering the resources available, that can make a difference in a lot of families.

“We’ll have vendors that will set up for behavior specialists for kids who may have behavioral challenges. And, also, some financial institutions that may be able to assist with different programs and services to offer children on the autism spectrum that parents may not be able to finance…” said Perry.

With the yearly growth of the expo, it’s very telling to Lisa the impact she’s having across southwest Georgia.

“It means that we have a voice in the community. We are actually getting the people, family, and caregivers of children and family members affected by autism that lets me know that the word is getting out, and we have the awareness they’re looking for is being produced by putting on these types of activities every year…” said Perry.

And, they’ve certainly gotten people from all over the area.

“We have had participants to come from all areas of southwest Georgia. Even from the Columbus, Ga. area where they’ve come down and they assist with the traffic to try and help control the crowd. We’ve got people coming from Ft. Benning (Moore) and Ft. Gaines and all from Tifton, Sylvester, all surrounding counties and it’s been very impactful in the community,” said Perry.

Lisa says that more than anything the Autism Expo and Walk has helped a great deal when it comes to acceptance of autism in the region.

The Autism Walk and Expo will kick off at 10 am this Saturday at the 4-H Pavilion in Dawson and go until 2 pm.

Brian Roche reporting.

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