Scottsboro, AL: Autism provider hosts annual Autism Walk; 'It’s just really special'
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
On April 23, Sunny Horizons, LLC, hosted its 10th annual Autism Walk at the Jackson County Square. This year marked the event’s largest turnout in support of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The crowd gathered at the gazebo, where tables were set up with activities and resources for children and families.
Holly Kirk kicked off the event as the guest speaker. She shared the story of her family’s journey through her son’s diagnosis and daily life. . . .
Kirk shared how her family worked around her son’s needs, from maintaining a consistent routine to accommodating his safe foods. “Now, we tend to celebrate all the small victories for him — from trying new foods to doing new stuff at Sunny Horizons,” Kirk said.
Her words echoed through the crowd as many nodded with understanding. It was an afternoon where people felt heard and seen. Judge Matt Mitchell was in attendance and said, “It brings a lot of memories back to me. When people talk about their experiences, I hear some new things, but then I also hear some things that I remember when my own son went through them. For me, the autism walk means it’s a community of folks going through something that they don’t have to go through alone.”
Kirk said the autism walk meant showing support for autistic individuals in the community so they can feel others’ advocacy for them. . . .
“We’re going to be there for them, take up for them and help them,” she said.
Magnolia Hall, the clinic director for Sunny Horizons, said the autism walk was a way for the community to come together in an inclusive environment without judgment. She said their T-shirts for the occasion had the words, “I’ll never walk alone,” on them. Hall said that was important because it showed that the community supports and brings awareness and acceptance to those with autism and any other differences. . . .
“Just seeing our families and our patients look comfortable in an outside environment is really nice,” Hall said.
Kelsey Shelton, a Sunny Horizons employee who helped organize the walk, was happy to see the turnout for the event.
“It’s just really special,” Shelton said. “We celebrate it all month long, but this is a great way for our community to come together and show their support as well.”
Several educators attended the walk in support of their autistic students.
“Today, we are honoring some of the best friends we can have,” said Holly Cobb, a local educator. “It’s a time to celebrate people that mean the world to me and bring me so much joy.”
As the walk came to a close, the message remained clear: Through shared experiences, support and understanding, families in Jackson County continue to build a community where no one has to walk alone.
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