Strolling With Purpose

by Kevin Fritz

The City of Longwood’s fourth annual Walk for Autism Awareness & Inclusion made a strong impact on the community, just as it has done from day one.

This year’s event, held on April 25 at Reiter Park, was a welcoming day of fun, education, and assistance for families of individuals living with autism. Nearly 5,500 area residents and supporters attended, uniting the community’s neurotypical and neurodiverse members.

“It’s a walk around the park in solidarity,” says Matt Morgan, a Longwood commissioner who cofounded the event with his wife Larissa. “We do this because the biggest problem is that most parents of autistic children don’t know all the services that are available.”

Finding Unity in Community 

The Morgans are the parents of a nonverbal autistic son, 12-year-old Jackson. To them, the annual walk is about connection, understanding, and creating a more unified, inclusive community. 

The family-friendly gathering is unique in that it isn’t a fundraiser and doesn’t charge a vendor participation fee or an admission fee for attendees. The event is held every year in April because that is Autism Awareness Month.

“The walk is more about us trying to have our autism community be considered mainstream,” says Matt. “That is why every year we want all families to come – those with kids on the spectrum and neurotypical families. Neurotypical people need to meet those with autism. That’s important.”

The event featured sensory-friendly activities and complimentary T-shirts, backpacks, food, and noise-canceling headphones, while supplies lasted. Other giveaways included door beepers that alert families if an autistic child or adult suddenly leaves the home. Kids also enjoyed playing in a bounce house; petting miniature cows, horses, and goats; and meeting characters from Disney, Marvel Comics, and DC Comics. 

A Show of Support

The Walk for Autism Awareness & Inclusion was made possible by generous sponsors including AC Cowboys, Wood Partners, and Central Florida Therapy Solutions.

“This event truly brings more awareness about autism to not only those who are directly affected by the condition, but to the average person as well,” says Chris Capizzi, Longwood’s director of leisure services. “The walk continues to grow each year with more support from autistic families, specifically parents of autistic children who may not be aware of what services are available to them within the area.” 

The gathering is designed so walkers who complete the trek around the park will then flow into the vendor area, where they can learn about available programs for the autistic community. This year, approximately 50 vendors participated, offering services ranging from equine therapy to day care. For the first time, estate planners were on hand to talk with families affected by autism.

“It is so important that as parents of these children, we plan for the future,” says Matt. “Our biggest fear is where they will live if we die.”

Matt lauds area residents and businesses for their show of support for families of autistic kids like Jackson, an athletically gifted child who will soon move into sixth grade. 

“I want to thank everyone for coming out this year, which added to the inclusion and awareness levels we are building here in Longwood and throughout Seminole County,” says Matt.