COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new autism-focused event titled “Empower Summit and Challenge” will launch in Columbus on May 9 and 10.
Autism Speaks, the world’s largest non-profit organization supporting people and families affected by autism, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The new event replaces the annual Autism Speaks Walk.
Columbus joins Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Miami as the five cities selected to host the new event for Autism Speaks.
“Creating a more inclusive world for all families impacted by autism and the fact that so much good thinking and leadership comes right here from Columbus, Ohio makes us a natural place to celebrate,” Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president and national board member for Autism Speaks, said.
White Castle has been a prominent national sponsor of Autism Speaks since the early days of the organization. Columbus is also home to numerous autism-focused organizations, including the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
May 9 will serve as a workshop and seminar day at the Columbus Museum of Art, featuring national speakers and numerous autism service providers covering the lifespan of people with ASD. May 10 will include a 30-mile bike ride, a distance run and the traditional family-style walk through downtown Columbus.
“It makes me so excited for, you know, just the spread of the awareness of Autism Speaks and the fact that something as big as this is coming to Columbus is just really great to see,” Eric Vah, a current Ohio State broadcast journalism student and an adult with ASD, said.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates nearly 5.5 million American adults have ASD, more than 2% of the population. One in 36 American children are diagnosed with autism, and ASD is four times more common among boys than girls.
To register for this year’s Columbus event, visit 2025 Empower Summit and Challenge Columbus – Autism Speaks.