About Autism – Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

12 Months of April

What if April didn’t have to end? That’s the question behind 12 Months of April, a project turning autism awareness into year-round action. From creating sensory kits to connecting families and first responders with life-saving programs like Yellow Dot and Project Lifesaver, this initiative started with one parent’s mission: make safety resources known, accessible, and ready when they matter most.

The parent behind the project, Kati Maas-Crawford, shares the story behind 12 Months of April.

When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: Lessons from Autism, Safety, and Community Programs

In November 2024, I met with my municipality to discuss programs like the Yellow Dot Program and Project Lifesaver. I followed up with emails to help supply the building with pamphlets and information. In March 2025, I read a court document labeling these efforts “gratuitous,” which was upsetting. How could programs meant to help people with special needs be seen as unnecessary, especially by a family law firm?

A week later, Victor Perez was shot and killed by police in Idaho. I wondered if resources like a premise alert or special needs registry, or de-escalation techniques I’ve used in classrooms, could have made a difference. Shortly after, RFK held a press conference on autism, sparking widespread debate that felt personal, since autism touches both my home and work life.

At the end of April 2025, a book was sent to our house “to help” our child. It wasn’t requested, didn’t focus on coping skills or sensory needs, and didn’t fully represent autistic experiences. We were initially told it came from our municipality or police department. When I raised concerns and suggested better options, I was later informed the book did not come from them, which left questions and frustrations unresolved.

Making April Last All Year

Any one of these things would create anxiety for a parent but everything quickly accumulating amplified my worries. I knew that passively observing all these problems was not an option for me. If there is a problem, you solve it. One clear problem was that there wasn’t enough awareness of these resources by families, care providers or first responders. We were deep in April, which is autism awareness month, but what happens once April is done?

You make April year-round!

I then made myself the goal of contacting all municipalities in Allegheny County within 12 months about programs that they could share with their first responder services as well as community members. Hence the name “12 Months of April.” I made a Facebook page about my goal to hold myself publicly accountable as well as promote the safety resources.

Yellow Dot, Project Lifesaver, and Premise Alerts are free through the County and State and can make such a difference for everyone who could be involved in an emergency.

The Yellow Dot program is a yellow circle sticker that goes on your back windshield to alert first responders that someone in the car has special needs whether they be medical, physical or cognitive. A yellow pamphlet in the glove box details these needs to help first responders provide even better assistance for someone who is deaf, non-verbal, diabetic, heart condition, anything.

Project Lifesaver is a national program that is currently sponsored in Allegheny County through the DA’s office. It is a bracelet that a person wears and can be tracked through radio frequency should a person wander and does not have the means to communicate or understand where they are. This benefits those with autism as well as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This can help greatly reduce search time for someone which is crucial in preventing injuries or death.

The Allegheny County Premise alert is also known as the Special Needs Registry. I personally share it as a premise alert as it can help in many ways. You register with the county and then if services are dispatched to your home, police get an alert that gives them information about special needs, if the house has firearms, senior resident is on oxygen, or anything that helps prepare them.

I personally feel that the ball has been dropped, or not even picked up when it comes to promoting these programs. Information about them seems to be a reactive measure after a tragedy has happened. I would much rather be proactive. Even if one person a day learns about these things, then they can share with someone else and information will continue to ripple out.

Sensory Kits

As things were progressing, I spoke with a social worker and we discussed the cost of sensory kits. Sensory kits can retail for $50-$150 which can be hard to work into budgets. I feel that that cost is high, especially considering how much of the kit contents were sitting in a toy box at my house. I felt that something was better than nothing and started making kits.

The kit may look like a Ziplock bag of “stuff” but everything in them has a purpose. Every item in the kits reminds me of our child or my students. I made and donated a few, posted it on our page and then started receiving requests! To keep up with requests, I started posting on Facebook and talking with friends about others cleaning out their toy boxes. As things continued, it was suggested that I make an Amazon Wishlist, which people have been so generous with!

My husband and our daughter help make and deliver the kits. Our daughter is so caring about others and we are so proud of her every day! She understands what everything in the kit can help with and has explained the sensory kits in front of Fire Departments, Fraternal Order of the Police meetings and each grade at her school for their Safety Day. As my goal progressed, places were requesting that we come do a presentation about the sensory kits as well as other resources and ideas.

Growing the Mission: Expanding Sensory Kit Support and Community Partnerships

As this project has grown, I feel the need to keep it going and expand into neighboring counties as well as Erie county where I grew up. To support that mission I jumped through the hoops to get non-profit status to keep things accountable and ready to grow. I want to keep reaching out to different organizations about spreading information about the safety programs as well as coming together to collect items for kits, make them and then get them to first responders.

The list of people I want to thank is constantly growing and it’s almost unbelievable how supportive people have been, especially those in the community where we live. There is a man in Cranberry, Harry Rattay, who has been incredibly supportive with orders and funds and I can tell how much he loves his nephew.

We have started working with schools, Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, American Heritage Girls, and more to collect items, create kits and donate them to first responders while children can learn more about what the first responders do. The ACLD Tilotson School in Baldwin has made 65 kits! Girl Scout Troop 16144 in Shaler has 30 kits made and they will be directly donating them to O’Hara PD, Lower Valley EMS as well as Parkview EMS and VFD.

I always say that in a perfect world, these kits wouldn’t be needed. But we all know that anything can happen and I am hoping that these kits will help First Responders assist children, those with special needs really anyone who could use some different support during a crisis. I have met so many wonderful and helpful people along the way and we find ways to help each other. Whether it is sharing posts, exchanging items, offering and receiving support, everyone has been awesome!

The 12 Months of April project has grown from creating sensory kits for local first responders to expanding into neighboring counties, partnering with schools, scout troops, and community members to collect, assemble, and distribute kits. With nonprofit status secured, the initiative continues to raise awareness, provide practical support, and build a network of caring people dedicated to helping children and individuals with special needs during emergencies. To learn more, visit 12 Months of April on Facebook.

Language Matters: Why Disability Slurs Hurt—and What We Can Do About It

Until we recognize that autistic people and people with disabilities are valuable, capable human beings, we will continue to lose words that were originally meant simply to describe a demographic. Over time, everyday language gets twisted, misused, and weaponized—turning descriptive terms into insults. When that happens, the people connected to those words become targets too.

This cycle harms more than vocabulary. It harms people.

When Words Become Weapons

Many disability-related terms began as neutral descriptions. But because our society has long underestimated, excluded, or stigmatized people with disabilities, those words often slid into the realm of slurs. We see this most clearly with the R-word—once a clinical descriptor, now a widely recognized insult.

The problem isn’t the word itself.
The problem is how our culture has treated the people behind it.

If a group is not respected, their label becomes a punchline.
If a group is devalued, their identity becomes shorthand for “lesser than.”

Autistic people and families tell us that the impact is anything but harmless.

The Real Impact on Autistic People and Families

A parent recently shared with us:

“The slur-hurling is making us (autistic people and their families) feel like we’re ‘lesser than’. We’re not seen as deserving of services or help by the general public if we’re seen as a punchline. Or worse, we’re invisible because everyone is trying to make autism look like it’s less severe than what it is. Language does matter.”

This is the lived experience behind the jokes, memes, and “I didn’t mean it that way” excuses.

Slurs do more than sting. They influence whether someone is seen as deserving of support, empathy, or even basic dignity. They shape how teachers respond, how communities include, how neighbors interact, and how policymakers prioritize services.

When people become jokes, they also become invisible.

Minimizing Autism Doesn’t Help Anyone

There’s a growing cultural tendency to soften or minimize the challenges many autistic people face. While positive stories and strengths-based perspectives are important, they cannot erase the need for support, services, and understanding—especially for those with high support needs.

When autism is treated like a quirky personality trait rather than a legitimate disability, families may encounter disbelief, judgment, or outright dismissal.

And when slurs are used casually, it reinforces the idea that autism, intellectual disability, or developmental differences are inherently negative. Or worse, something to mock.

Respect Starts With Language

Changing the way we speak is not about being “overly sensitive” or enforcing “political correctness.” It is about recognizing the full humanity of autistic people and people with disabilities.

Words can:

reinforce stigma
block access to support
shape public attitudes
affect policy decisions
influence how people treat one another

Respectful language creates safer and more inclusive spaces. It signals that people with disabilities are real, valued members of our communities, not punchlines, burdens, or stereotypes.

What We Can Do

Everyone plays a role in reducing harm and building a more inclusive culture. Here’s where we can start:

1. Retire disability slurs—including the R-word—completely.
Even “as a joke,” they reinforce harmful beliefs.

2. Speak up when you hear others use them.
A simple “That word hurts people. Could we choose something else?” can make a difference.

3. Learn from disabled voices.
Autistic people and their families are telling us what they need. Listening is the first step.

4. Use language that reflects dignity.
People-first or identity-first language is always better than a slur.

5. Model respect in everyday conversation.
Kids, coworkers, and community members learn from what we say.

A Community Built on Respect

Autistic people and families deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. When we change our language, we help change our culture—and we make space for understanding instead of mockery, connection instead of stigma.

Language does matter.
And so do the people behind it.

If you or your family need support, Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is here to help.

Autism-Friendly Halloween

Tricks for Autism-Friendly Halloween Treats

“My son is 3 years old and has autism,” Omairis Taylor wrote on a Facebook post that went viral, adding, “Please allow him (or anyone with a BLUE BUCKET) to enjoy this day.” In the post, Taylor explained that adults handing out candy the previous year would wait for her son to say “trick or treat” before giving him candy, requiring her to explain to each of them that he is non-speaking. Rather than deal with the added stress of having to explain her son’s disorder multiple times this year, Taylor came up with the creative solution of using a blue bucket to represent it, thus encouraging greater awareness and acceptance of autism for the upcoming holiday.

Although many people have embraced this strategy, others express concern about exacerbating the stigma that comes with autism, while also putting the burden of compassion and understanding on autistic children and their parents. Should they be required to explain their diagnosis or carrying an identifier for a treat? Whether you’re a fan of the blue bucket or not, the following four tricks can be helpful additions or alternatives to make this Halloween more inclusive and, more importantly, more fun!

No explanation necessary.

1. Prevent sensory overload with sensory toys, headphones, and/or ear plugs. Make sure to prepare your child for the potentially unsettling sounds and decorations they might see by first explaining that they are just pretend and perhaps showing him or her how they work before you go trick or treating. However, you can keep sensory overload to a minimum by bringing along a sensory toy, headphones, and/or ear plugs when loud noises are present.

2. Plan a costume dress rehearsal. Have your child try on his or her costume a few times before Halloween so they can get used to how it feels and determine if the material is comfortable enough to wear for a couple of hours. Consider opting for a larger size so your child can wear their own clothes underneath.

3. Bring some buddies. Non-autistic friends and siblings are great allies to have while trick-or-treating. They can remind your child of the rules of trick-or-treating and help guide them through the process, even doing some of the talking for them. Buddies can also help keep an extra eye on children who have a tendency to wander, while still making them feel included in their peer group.

4. Gamify the experience. Some children with autism prefer more structure around their activities, so it might be helpful to turn the experience into a game of some sort. For example, you might want to create a map of every house you will go to and cross them off after each visit. You can also encourage your child to count how many chocolate candies vs fruity candies he or she gets to create a kind of scientific experiment about which type of candy is more common. No matter what you choose to do for the holiday, make sure you’re focused first on just enjoying the time with family and friends. Remember that Halloween is about creative expression, so celebrate what makes your child unique!

Autism Safety Expo 2025

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania Presents Inaugural Safety Expo in Concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Monroeville, PA: Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, is proud to announce its first-ever Autism Safety Expo; a comprehensive two-day event devoted to promoting safety in the home and the community for people of all ages and stages on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’s Safety Expo is important because it brings together critical resources that help ensure the well-being of autistic people in nearly every aspect of life, from their homes to schools to public spaces. Many families and self-advocates struggle to navigate complex systems when it comes to legal rights, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and physical and social safety. This Expo offers a rare opportunity to access all of that information in one place, with trusted experts who understand the unique challenges faced by the autism community. By creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection, the event empowers individuals and families to proactively build safer, more supportive environments.

Dates & Location

Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
- 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

Expo Highlights and Resources

This “one-stop-shop” experience invites families, caregivers, autistic people, professionals, and community members to access vital safety solutions covering:

Legal Safety: Guardianship, special education law, rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and access to legal aid organizations.
Medical Safety: Including sensory-friendly best practices, medical ID tools, emergency-preparedness plans, and how to navigate healthcare settings comfortably
Community and Social Safety: Safe travel, public‐space accessibility, social-skills training, and resources on self-advocacy and community inclusion.
Technology and Adaptive Tools: Exhibitors showcasing assistive tech, safety-alert devices, home-monitoring systems, and calming sensory aids.
First Responders Engagement: In person discussions with fire, police, and EMS personnel to build understanding of autism-friendly response protocols.
Caregiving & Family Support: Peer support groups, respite resources, and guidance from social-service agencies.

Why Safety Matters

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania surveyed autistic people, families, and caregivers about their greatest concerns. Safety is the utmost priority for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas, and with different levels of need. In response, the Autism Connection is organizing this event to connect people with critical resources.

Safety is multidimensional: legal, medical, social, and environmental. By bringing together experts from each domain, the Autism Safety Expo offers resources to autistic people and families to proactively build environments, knowledge, and community systems that support neurodiverse safety.

About Autism Connection of PA
Since 1996, Autism Connection of PA has served as a trusted resource for families and professionals across the state, offering support groups, educational workshops and webinars, advocacy, and information on art, justice, school, and lifelong planning.

About Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
A division of Jefferson Health, the Center champions neurodiverse-aware design and clinical practices, highlighted by its sensory-inclusive Honickman Center in Philadelphia’s city center.

The official registration and financial information of Autism Connection of PA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Interview with Ayana Singh: Science, Empathy and Innovation

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is thrilled to be chatting with Ayana Singh, a high school freshman who’s already making an impressive impact in the world of science and advocacy. In 2024, she created a well-being and sensory journal for caregivers and people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to track progress and day-to-day life online. This year, she created a machine learning model that uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to predict autism severity.

Both projects were presented at the Carnegie Science Center as part of the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), winning notable awards from the U.S. Naval Research Office, Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association, and more.

Inspired by her close family ties to autism, she’s passionate about using technology to make a real difference. We’re excited to hear about her journey, what drives her, and what’s next on her incredible path.

Ayana standing next to her science fair project

Background and Inspiration

What first inspired you to begin researching autism and sensory well-being at such a young age?

What first inspired me to begin researching autism and sensory well-being at such a young age was a deeply personal experience within my own family. My sister and my cousin are the same age, and when they were around 2.5 years old, we began noticing clear differences in their development—differences that raised questions none of us had answers to at the time. Eventually, my cousin was diagnosed with autism in India, but even after the diagnosis, my family struggled to access consistent therapy and support.

Witnessing this made me realize how much of a gap there is in autism awareness, diagnosis, and sensory support systems in many parts of the world, especially compared to the research and resources available in the U.S. That contrast motivated me to dig deeper, and to explore how I could use science, data, and innovation to help families like mine better understand autism and support neurodivergent individuals more effectively. It became more than research, and a personal mission.

How have your personal experiences with family members on the autism spectrum influenced your research?

My personal experiences with family members on the autism spectrum have been the foundation of my interest in this field. Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach piano to a young girl on the spectrum who was the same age as my sister and cousin. That experience was eye-opening. I saw firsthand how deeply she connected with music, how it calmed her and how she seemed to process it in a completely unique way. It made me realize that there are so many dimensions to autism that are still not fully understood. That moment really deepened my curiosity and inspired me to explore different aspects and potential markers of ASD through research.

What drew you to the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning for your project?

What drew me to the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning was a gradual but deeply personal journey. My first project related to autism focused on developing a software program that tracked sensory well-being. It was my personal response to the challenges my family faced in trying to understand and support the unique sensory needs of my cousin, who is on the autism spectrum.

As I learned more, my curiosity expanded to the possibility of early detection—how powerful it could be for families to receive timely support. That led to my second project, which explored how technology, particularly machine learning, could be used to identify early markers of ASD in a way that’s accessible and scalable across different regions, including countries like India where resources are limited. This naturally brought me to neuroscience and neuroimaging data, where machine learning can help uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. It felt like the perfect intersection of science, empathy, and innovation.

Research and Development

Could you walk us through your project — how does your machine learning model use fMRI scans to predict autism severity?

My project focuses on using fMRI data and machine learning to predict autism severity, offering a neurobiological alternative to current tools like ADOS and ADI-R, which don’t reflect brain-based changes over time. EEG and eye-tracking studies have tried to address this gap, but they can be uncomfortable for autistic individuals. I aimed to build a non-invasive, adaptable model grounded in brain function.

I used data from ABIDE II, the most recent publicly available ASD dataset. After preprocessing the fMRI scans in Python [programming language], applying brain masks and extracting BOLD signals, I segmented each participant’s brain into clusters using K-Means, grouping brain voxels [three-dimensional representation of brain tissue] based on signal similarity. This helped me analyze whether certain brain regions contribute to autism traits.

Next, I selected key clinical and imaging features such as age, IQ, and BOLD-based brain clusters, and input them into a Random Forest model, chosen for its ability to handle complex data and prevent overfitting. I optimized the model and used feature importance analysis to evaluate which inputs best predicted the ADOS-2 total severity score. My model achieved 87% accuracy (R²), which is high compared to existing studies. In the long term, this model could allow updated, scan-based severity assessments across the lifespan, addressing how autism manifests differently over time, while staying non-invasive and clinically useful.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while developing your model?

The biggest challenge which I experienced was preprocessing the fMRI scans which means removing excess noise and clutter from the scans. I had difficulty because I had never done it before, and there were few easy-to-understand resources online. To overcome it, I tried various methods such as employing different python tools and researching implementation.

How did you learn the technical skills necessary to work with machine learning and fMRI data while still in middle school?

I have been learning how to code ever since I was in fifth grade. My first introduction to programming was from mentors at the nonprofit Steel City Codes, which I am now a part of and have decided to give back as a mentor myself.

Was there a specific moment during your research when you realized you were onto something exciting?

The first moment of amazement was definitely seeing the fMRI scans. Afterwards, when I was visualizing the results of the model in scatter plots and different types of charts, I felt hope that the project was moving in the right direction and progress was being made.

An fMRI scan from Ayana’s project

Recognition and Impact

How did it feel to have your work recognized by the Carnegie Science Center?

Since I am still a high schooler, one of the places I can bring my project and get people’s attention on this topic is the Carnegie Science Center. I really am thankful to the PRSEF who gives us this platform to share and talk to experts, judges, and sponsors with similar experiences and research.

What does it mean to you to have your work shared with organizations like the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania?

It means a lot to have my work shared with organizations like the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. It inspires me to engage with organizations and nonprofits that share a common goal of improving the lives of people with ASD. Knowing that my research aligns with their mission gives me hope that, together, we can create a future where people with autism have access to better support, understanding, and resources.

How do you hope your research will contribute to better treatment planning for autistic people?

I hope my research will lead to more personalized and up-to-date treatment plans by providing a non-invasive, brain-based way to assess autism severity, helping clinicians track changes over time and tailor therapies more effectively.

Leveraging fMRI and Machine Learning to Analyze Gender Disparities in ASD Severity Prediction

Personal Insights

Many students your age are just beginning to explore science. What advice would you give to young researchers who want to take on ambitious projects?

My advice is to start with a question or topic that genuinely means something to you, even if it feels big. Break it into smaller steps, be curious, and don’t be afraid to learn things as you go. Ask for help, learn, and don’t give up on your project(s).

How do you balance your academic work with your independent research projects?

My weekends are devoted to research and any other extracurriculars. Whenever I have time on the weekdays, I am excited to work on researching and learning more.

What has been the most rewarding part of your research journey so far?

The most rewarding part of my research journey has been seeing everything come together, the model actually working, the data making sense, and the results matching what I hoped to find. But even more than that, sharing it with others whether in presentations or papers, and seeing people understand and care about the impact has been incredibly fulfilling.

Future Plans

Are there any next steps or new ideas you’re excited to explore based on your current project?

I want to finish writing my research paper and eventually turn my model into a publicly accessible tool. My goal is to make it available in under-resourced regions, including countries like India, where support for people with autism is often more limited compared to places like the United States.

Looking ahead, do you envision a career combining technology, medicine, and advocacy for neurodivergent people?

In the future, I aspire to become a neurologist, where I can combine research with clinical work. I hope to focus on developing innovative technologies that improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurodivergent people, while also advocating for better support and awareness in underrepresented communities.

Reflection

What is one lesson you’ve learned through this experience that you will carry with you in your future work?

One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence as research doesn’t always go as planned, and being adaptable is crucial. Many aspects of my project didn’t go as expected, and I found myself stuck at certain steps or facing unexpected issues. There
were times when I wanted to quit due to these challenges, but if I hadn’t pushed through, I wouldn’t have reached my end product or successfully completed the project.

How has this research experience changed how you view science, medicine, or advocacy?

My research experience has shown me that science is more than just experimenting in my school chemistry lab. If I did not explore the world of science more, I would not have stumbled upon fMRI and discovered how it connects with ASD. As for advocacy in medicine, I have learnt how important it is to ensure that people, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the tools, support, and treatments they need.

Control group brain scan compared to autism brain scan

National Institutes of Health Funding: University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Excellence in Autism Research

We have taught about the medical diagnosis of autism for almost 25 years. Before the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded brain research, teaching felt like simply trying to convince people, without evidence, that behavior and communication were different because an autistic person’s brain and body made them that way. People still walked away skeptical. Teachers still blamed parenting. Folks said it was vaccines. Giving talks felt weak and at times pointless when too many people had closed minds.

Pictures Speak 1,000 Words

The number of skeptics leaving our classes dramatically reduced once NIH-funded brain imaging and other studies showed the medical facts. Autistic brains are wired differently. Some parts – like the piece that controls facial muscles being really small in many – are very different than average. Teaching with images finally showed how and why autistic people needed to do the various things others found hard to understand. Science helped us stop much of the punishment, torment, and abuse heaped on children and adults who moved, talked, and behaved in ways others found confusing or unacceptable.

fMRI of control brain and autistic brain side by side

A typical involvement of frontostriatal systems during sensorimotor control in autism

The NIH helps parents, other caregivers, and supporters learn to adapt their ways to better nurture and accept the people they love, care for, and support. It helps employers tap talents while giving reasonable accommodations to let people flourish while building corporate revenues. And research helps law enforcement make better decisions on a 911 call response, and judges to better understand when someone makes a disability-based error or simply is doing “autistic things” lacking criminal intent, which triggered a stranger’s 911 call.

We cannot stand by and watch the erasure of science that’s been truly lifesaving. Dumbing down society by cancelling scientific fact finding is unacceptable. We cannot count the emails and phone calls traded with our very good research friends at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Excellence in Autism Research, or with other generous NIH scientists nationwide who help us translate things like highly technical functional MRI science to the literally thousands of people we have reached. It has mattered a great deal. Words cannot express how much.

The Importance of Autism Research

The Autism Connection of Pennsylvania does not rely one bit on NIH funding to exist. However, our population’s survival relies on the gifts NIH science has provided in terms of our own understanding, and our ability to show others the right way to treat people. This has been critical in preventing or resolving the most dangerous situations: when people explore without fear (“wanderers,”) or are victims of neglect and abuse, or are accused of crimes and fall into the criminal legal system and prison. Homeless people, those without adequate food, people left alone in the world after their parents die, children bullied, adults fired due to basic misunderstandings, people with epilepsy or other common coexisting disorders, children and adults needed psychiatric care and medications – the things we commonly deal with every single day to the tune of about 260 help requests a month – all have been helped by our understanding how people internally process information, or how they cannot and need external help.

Please do anything you can to save NIH funding. Destroying decades of successful work by extremely smart and incredibly kind research friends is criminal and a huge talent loss, not to mention a tremendous waste of dollars invested for all the right reasons, with critically valuable outcomes to date. The future is in our hands – and we must fight to preserve it for the autism community.

2025 Pittsburgh Marathon Run for a Reason

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is a charitable partner for the 2025 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Run for a Reason!

There are 10 different events during Marathon weekend, and we hope you’ll choose Autism Connection of Pennsylvania as your charity!

How it Works in 5 Steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Event
Select one of 10 events, including the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 4-mile fitness challenge, 5K, champions mile, kids marathon, toddler trot, or pet walk.

Step 2: Fuel Your Participation with Purpose
As you register for your event, opt to join the Run for a Reason Charity Program and choose Autism Connection of Pennsylvania in the drop-down. This marks the start of your journey as a champion for change. With every step, you’ll be raising funds to support adults and families affected by autism.

Step 3: Rally Support
Share your commitment with friends, family, and colleagues. Harness the power of your network to amplify your impact. Autism Connection of Pennsylvania can provide stories of impact to inspire those around you to support your participation in this life-changing cause.

Step 4: Raise Funds, Ignite Impact
Every dollar you raise is a testament to your dedication and a catalyst for change. Empower your movement with the knowledge that your participation directly supports autism resources, education, support, and advocacy.

Step 5: Rewarding Your Dedication
If you hit your fundraising minimum (determined by event), your registration fee will be refunded—a tangible token that your commitment truly matters.

Fundraising Minimums:

Marathon: $500
Half Marathon: $400
Back Half Marathon: $1,000
Relay Team: $1,000
4-mile Fitness Challenge: $200
5K: $150
Champions Mile: $50
Kids Marathon: $50
Toddler Trot: $50
Pet Walk: $50

The Run for a Reason Charity Program is more than just finishing an event—it’s about moving with purpose, becoming an agent of change, and making a lasting, positive effect in the autism community.

Join us and run for autism awareness, support, and inclusion!

Not a Runner? Not a Problem!

There are many ways to support Autism Connection of Pennsylvania in the 2025 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Run for a Reason even if you’re not running. Here are some great ways to get involved:

1. Fundraising and Donations

Sponsor a Runner: Contribute to a participant’s fundraising goal.
Share a story: Do you know a runner with a great story? Email tammi@autismofpa.org to share.

2. Volunteer to Cheer at the US Steel Champions Mile

Join Autism Connection of PA’s Cheer Station: Encourage runners along the course while representing Autism Connection of PA.
Share on Social Media: Post about Autism Connection’s involvement and encourage others to donate.

4. Corporate and Community Partnerships

Corporate Matching Gifts: Encourage your employer to match donations.
Sponsorships: Connect Autism Connection of PA with potential business sponsors.
Team Participation: Organize a group from your workplace or community to fundraise together.

Even if you’re not running, your support can make a big difference in helping Autism Connection of Pennsylvania continue our vital work. Every effort counts!