The second annual Autism Acceptance Walk was held April 5 at the Jackson Street train depot. Organizer Khalia Walters shared their mission. “We’re out here to bring awareness, to advocate, to create inclusion, acceptance, to get the word out about autism and all other neurodivergent disorders.”

Walters was inspired to put on the walk by her daughter Liberty Merritt. She described the difficulty of finding resources after Merritt was diagnosed with autism. “There were not a lot of resources available to me, and so once I found them, I thought I would bring them together to make them readily available for other parents like me.”

She shared important things to know about autism, such as knowing the signs. “Early intervention is key, and no two autistic children are alike.”

The event featured a DJ, food trucks, and representatives from Phoebe Sumter. Speakers were Robert Bennett, speech language pathologist, Sheila Jackson, owner and founder of Reginald’s Safe Haven, and Tiffany Wheeler, owner of Pinnacle Autism Center.

Walter also shared that she plans to form a non-profit called Liberty’s Way to help neurodivergent children learn through arts, while supporting parents with helpful resources.