Autism and advocacy
When Kimberly Creswell’s son was diagnosed with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself searching for support, understanding and spaces where children on the spectrum could feel accepted. Four years later, that experience has grown into a community effort aimed at connecting families with resources and one another while raising awareness about autism and […] The post Autism and advocacy appeared first on St. Louis American.
Black News 
When Kimberly Creswell’s son was diagnosed with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself searching for support, understanding and spaces where children on the spectrum could feel accepted.
Four years later, that experience has grown into a community effort aimed at connecting families with resources and one another while raising awareness about autism and the challenges many families face.
The fourth annual J Steppin’ 4 Autism Fun Walk recently drew about 75 people to the Maplewood Richmond Heights High School track for a morning focused on autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion.
The free event was founded by Creswell in support of her son, Jaxson, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2½ in 2020.
“Jaxson brings so much joy into my life that I felt a calling to share that happiness and advocate for him and the wider community,” Creswell said. “I wanted to ensure he and every child like him grows up in a world where they feel safe, seen and loved.”
The event’s message carries added significance in Black communities, where families have historically faced barriers to diagnosis and support services. Researchers reported in a 2023 review published by the National Library of Medicine that Black children with autism have often been diagnosed later than white children, delaying access to therapies and support services. The review also found Black children were more likely to receive other diagnoses before autism was identified.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 1 in 31 8-year-old children were identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2022. The agency also found that Black children with autism were more likely than white children to be identified with an intellectual disability, a pattern researchers say may reflect missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Advocates say Black families often face barriers to diagnosis and treatment, including limited access to specialists, long waits for evaluations and challenges finding culturally responsive services.
Before the walk begins each year, Creswell asks participants to repeat the event’s motto: “Autism is a part of them, but it does not define them.”
She said the ritual allows parents, caregivers and supporters to affirm that message while setting the tone for the event.
“For me, I preach acceptance of kiddos on the spectrum,” Creswell said. “With so many things going on in the world and our kids being bullied or attacked, I think it’s important that we continue to foster inclusion.”
Anitra Little attended the walk in support of her son, who has autism.
“I’m here for the Autism Walk, of course, to support autism,” Little said. “My son has autism, and I just want to be here to support others that are like my son.”
Little said events such as J Steppin’ 4 Autism help families build connections and find support.
“Autism is common, and it’s important that we have events so that we can know that there are others who are like us that we can go to if we need assistance,” she said. “Support is a big thing in the autism community.”
She also emphasized the importance of early intervention.
“It’s not easy, but it’s something that you want to make sure that you notice and take care of immediately,” Little said. “Early intervention is the key. Go ahead and do the therapies, whatever it takes to make sure that he or she has what they need to thrive.”
Community partners included Autism Support Now, Latitude Therapy and St. Louis Arc.
Creswell’s advocacy efforts began in 2021 with Jaxson’s Give the Gift of Play, an annual holiday toy drive that provides sensory-friendly and developmentally supportive toys to children with autism. The effort recently completed its fifth year, donating more than 500 toys and surpassing 1,000 toys distributed since it began.
The first J Steppin’ 4 Autism Fun Walk followed in 2023, growing from about 10 family members and friends into a larger community event.
Creswell said the walk is intended not only for families affected by autism but also for people who want to learn more and help create a more welcoming community.
“A walk like this brings the community together,” she said. “It shows our kiddos and adults who are on the spectrum that we support them. It also brings those without autism to the table and lets them know a little bit more about them.”
For Creswell, awareness is important, but acceptance remains the larger goal.
“The more we get together and promote autism awareness and acceptance, hopefully we can continue to grow and get support for our kiddos,” she said.
The post Autism and advocacy appeared first on St. Louis American.
