First Autism Awareness 5K Brings Out a Crowd at Cane Bay High

A new community event made its debut in the Summerville area on Saturday. Bridging the Gap Society for Autism held its first Autism Awareness 5K run/walk at Cane Bay High School. Organizers told Live 5 News that about 300 people took part.

Earlier Live 5 coverage said the event would be in the school's student parking lot and begin at 9 a.m. Besides the run/walk, there was a resource fair where families could learn about the diagnosis process and what follows. Kids' activities included bounce castles, face painting and music.

The group was founded by Mary Richardson. Richardson is a behavior analyst and a mother of four boys, and she started the organization after her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She has said an autism diagnosis can take two to three years, and her group aims to help families during that wait.

Richardson said she wanted a space that raises awareness and lets families get out and enjoy themselves. The theme was kindness and support.

Live 5 reported that more 5K run/walks are planned, and Richardson hopes to make this one a yearly event. Families who want guidance while waiting on a diagnosis can look up Bridging the Gap Society for Autism. The group works with other local groups, including Learning to Learn LLC.