Event Info

10th Annual Chattanooga Autism Celebration Walk 

When: April 15, 2023. Activities start at 9am. Walk will start promptly at 11am, and participants can expect to be finished by noon. 

Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Flyer: Click here to download. Please share at your school, workplace, and favorite businesses!

Overview: The Chattanooga Autism Walk is the largest of its kind in East Tennessee. The event celebrates autistic people and raises public awareness and education about autism, leading to a more accepting and inclusive community. Families, educators, students, politicians, community leaders, businesses, and autistic adults stand together to celebrate and show their support. Funds raised at the walk help the Chattanooga Autism Center provide vital resources and services to the Chattanooga area.

Attendees: Last year we had over 1,000 individuals walking or attending the event. The majority are families who have an autistic child or relative. Other walkers are autistic adults, educators, students, community businesses, service providers, clinicians, and friends.

Teams: Anyone can register for the walk. Once registered, people can create teams and compete for prizes. Prizes are available for largest teams, the teams who raise the most money, individuals who raise the most money, and other categories.

Route: Click here for a map of the route. The 2-mile walk starts at 11:00am at Coolidge Park and heads over the Walnut Street Bridge. We’ll have 50+ huge banners showing different autism facts hanging on the bridge for all to read. People will learn about autism, prevalence rates, and positive aspects about autism while also dispelling myths. Walkers will learn how families appreciate that their community better understands autism and celebrates neurodiversity.

Activities: There will be music, acknowledgement of teams, prizes for team captains and individuals, sponsor recognition, and several kids’ activities starting at 9am. Dozens of exhibitors will have displays at tables to educate the public about their autism-related services.

Proceeds: Funds raised beyond the event expenses will go to support the local programs of the Chattanooga Autism Center. These include the Autism Outpatient Clinic, Bridges ABA Therapy Clinic, Annual Conference, GCA Centre for Adult Autism, STAGES Adult Transition Program, Spanish Language Outreach Program, Ascending Scales Music Therapy, and more. To learn more about the Chattanooga Autism Center, visit chattanoogaautismcenter.org.

COVID Statement: We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our volunteers, and employees. You must follow all posted instructions while attending the Chattanooga Autism Celebration Walk. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By attending the Chattanooga Autism Celebration Walk, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Health & Safety Guidelines: 

  • Masks: Event staff and volunteers will adhere to CDC mask guidelines. Attendees are strongly encouraged to do the same. Please be respectful of other people's mask preferences.
  • Social Distancing: Most activities at the walk are outdoors and there is plenty of space for people to spread out. We ask that attendees maintain distance from other attendees outside of their family/team, exhibitor booth staff, and event volunteers. Avoid physical contact such as shaking hands. When standing in lines, maintain at least 6' distance.
  • Enhanced Hygiene: Staff and volunteers will sanitize surfaces at check-in, and sanitizer will be available. Cashless payment options will also be available. Attendees are encouraged to wash hands regularly with soap and water (bathrooms will be open at the pavilion), and use hand sanitizer. If possible, please register online in advance to make check-in faster and reduce contact.

Check back!!! We will update this page as needed prior to the event date.