Team Dallas

My 3-year-old son, Dallas, was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Like many parents, receiving this diagnosis opened up a world I didn?t fully understand ? one filled with both challenges and incredible moments of discovery. As I began learning more about autism, I realized how limited public awareness and accessible information can be. Too often, families encounter confusion, stigma, and misunderstanding instead of empathy and support.

Through this journey, I?ve learned that autism is not something to be feared or fixed ? it?s a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. Every child, including Dallas, deserves to be seen for their strengths, celebrated for their individuality, and embraced with compassion.

By participating in this 5K, our team hopes to raise awareness, foster inclusion, and help eliminate the negative stigma surrounding autism. We walk for understanding, acceptance, and a future where every individual on the spectrum is valued for exactly who they are.

Every step we take is a step toward progress ? because awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to acceptance.

?Different, not less.? ? Dr. Temple Grandin