Autism Connection Fundraiser – Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

Kool Run Club First Annual Charity Fun Run/Walk

Come together October 12th to run for a cause with the Kool Run Club crew! 📍

LOCATION– Southside Dog/Riverfront Park

ADDRESS: 1927 Sidney St Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (Park under bridge upper or lower lot)

DISTANCE: 3 miles

ALL PACES (INCLUDING WALKERS), ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS, ALL AGES WELCOMED. So if you’re thinking you don’t belong this is the safe space to start and take your first steps (no pun intended 😅)

So tell a friend to tell a friend and come out meet some new people, have a good time and also better yourself while doing it!

Routes will be available via Strava (CHECK BIO ON INSTAGRAM FOR LINKS)

Visit KRC First Annual Charity Fun Run/Walk

Autism Safety Expo 2025

Autism Connection of PA is excited to announce our upcoming Autism Safety Expo in concert with Jefferson Health’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, Philadelphia. The Expo will unite families, caregivers, professionals, and community members to promote safety awareness related to autism and co-occurring conditions on Friday October 17th from 9-4, and Saturday the 18th from 9-noon at Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4, 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146. Your participation in this event will help make it an important “one stop shop” for people dealing with disability challenges, who are in need of safety and caregiving supplies, technology, and information!

There is no fee nor registration required for the community.

Sponsor and Event Table opportunities are available.

Click here for Sponsorship

Click here for Event Table

Email development@autismofpa.org for more information.

Autism Safety Expo 2025

There is no fee nor registration required for the community.

Sponsor and Event Table opportunities are available.

Click here for Sponsorship

Click here for Event Table

Email development@autismofpa.org for more information.

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.

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!

Kate looking over her shoulder holding a vase of flowers and smiling

Pittsburgh Marathon Runner Profile: Kate Alsaihati

As Kate prepares to bid farewell to her twenties, she is embracing a new challenge that goes beyond personal achievement. The 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon run is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the belief that we can overcome any obstacle. Her motivation is deeply rooted in her desire to be a strong and healthy mom for her two children, demonstrating that we can conquer challenges and do hard things.

Get to know Kate through her interview here:

Tell us a little about Nanny Kate.

When I was 18, I moved in with my cousin who had just had a baby. I was going into my first year of cosmetology school, and in exchange for room and board, I nannied for her and created such a special bond with her son who was two months old when I moved in, and a little over a year old when I graduated. I was lovingly referred to as “Nanny Kate” during my time there. A few years later, he and his younger brother were both diagnosed with autism.

Ten years later, I am still Nanny Kate. They are both such wonderful boys and I couldn’t think of a better organization to run for than Autism Connection of PA.

You have a milestone birthday coming up! What makes this marathon extra special?

This August I will be turning 30! I’ve never been a runner but a group of my friends convinced me to give it a shot and I thought, what better way to say good bye to my twenties than a half marathon?

I have two kids at home and I want to show them that you can do hard things! My kids deserve a mom that is able to run around with them and be healthy enough to do so! That is my motivation for this whole thing.

Any tips for runners?

I’m not sure if I’m in any position to give running tips because I’m still a beginner myself, but if I could give other people wanting to run something like this, any tips it would be to just keep pushing and keep going. It’s gonna be really hard and you will want to quit but don’t…. Keep going and keep running!

As Kate laces up her running shoes and ventures into uncharted territory, Autism Connection of PA invites you to be a part of her journey. Your encouragement, donations, and shared belief in the power of community can make a profound impact.

Visit Kate’s Race Roster page to show your support!

Gingerbread Man Running Company Hosts Run for Autism Connection

The Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Run for Autism Connection of PA is open for registration and volunteers. Autism Connection recently visited the new GBM store location in Shadyside, where sales associate, Aaron and store manager, Luke, showed us the process of finding the right running shoes. We also talked about the Labor Day Run for Autism Connection, and why it is important to Gingerbread Man Running Company.

: GBM Shadyside

: Aaron (right) and Luke

: Wall of running shoes

GBM Shares Some Memories from the First Run for Autism Connection

One of our store employees, Justin, won first place at the very first Race for Autism. This was before Justin was an employee and he did so well at the race it really sticks out in our minds. The first time Luke ran the Autism Connection half-marathon, Luke finished the race and ran back to help other runners get past the hill…he even brought them water and encouraged them to keep going! We think this is a great illustration of the spirit that the Race for Autism carries every year.

Luke, the bike guy, manager at the 2022 gingerbread run

Luke “The Bike Guy” at the 2022 Labor Day Run for Autism Connection

Why We Support Autism Connection of PA

The behavioral and social boundaries that exist for autistic people can often make participating in events, like a race, feel daunting. Autism Connection reflects GBM’s goals to make exercising more accessible for everyone, by acknowledging the barriers that folks with autism face and working to eliminate those barriers.

Exercise accessibility is something GBM takes seriously and the benefits of steady movement and spending time outside can benefit anyone. We all know the physical benefits of consistent exercise, but it’s been shown there are several long-term mental health benefits of spending time outside and consistent movement. This race not only encourages holistic health, but also a sense of community.

Inspirational Words for the Runners

Any of these races- the 5k, the 10k, and/or the half are ACHIEVABLE! We all have different goals, but at the end of the day, just showing up is a win.

Artisan Gingerbread Man Cookie Visits GMB Running Company

: Gingerbread Man trying on gear

: Measuring the right fit

: Trying on shoes and testing gait

: Finding the perfect running shoe

This gingerbread man artisan cookie was part of a batch created by self advocate and professional baker, Rachel, in Pittsburgh.

Autism Connection of PA looks forward to this year’s Labor Day Run, and we welcome runners and volunteers to join us this September. We had a wonderful time at the 2022 Gingerbread Man Run for Autism Connection, and we can’t wait to see everyone in the upcoming event!

For those interested in running 5k/10k/Half-Marathon (or walking the 5k): Register Here

For those interested in volunteering: Sign Up Here