COEUR d’ALENE — Though Saturday’s Walk for Autism Acceptance raised money to support Autism Society of Idaho’s various community outreach efforts, fundraising was not the primary focus of the event.

Rather, vice president of Autism Society for Idaho Tiffany Anderson explained, Saturday was about creating an inclusive family event.

“It’s important that we have events that people feel like they can come to, not worrying about whether they’re taking it slow or doing it a little different,” Anderson said.

Over 500 people attended Saturday’s event, which included an optional 5K or micro walk, a resource fair and an egg hunt.

Saturday’s April showers were no deterrent to the about 100 people who participated in the 5K. An additional 300 people of all ages and abilities took part in the micro walk, which consisted of one lap around the course set up on the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies have found that an estimated 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism, said Autism Society for Idaho executive director Lacey Protopappas.  

These numbers make it more important than ever to spread community awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Protopappas added.  

“You’re going to meet somebody (with autism),” Protopappas said. “You’re just going to. We want people to know it’s not something to be feared.”  

The theme for this year’s walk was Superheroes, which Protopappas said reflects the courage, resilience and determination individuals with ASD demonstrate every day. 

“They are their own superhero,” Protopappas said.  

Many families walked in celebration of the superhero in their own lives.  

Mackenzie Hobb of Coeur d’Alene participated in the micro walk with her husband and children to celebrate their 9-year-old daughter, Emma.  

“It’s so important to raise awareness and grow acceptance in our community,” Hobb said.