The Corridor Chapter of the Autism Society –WV (ASWV) will hold its 11th Annual Autism Walk in the Park Event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m, to 12 p,m. in Bridgeport City Park (behind Bridgeport High School).

 

The Bridgeport City Park is a new venue for the event.

 

The event supports families affected by autism and brings family, friends and the community together.

 

Many families come as “teams” showing support for their family members with autism.

 

“We are so excited about our walk this year and the change in venue. Bridgeport has been so supportive. We expect to have one of the fire trucks and a police car for the kids to see,” Lea Robinson, President of the Corridor Chapter ASWV, said. “There will be a walk, bounce house and slide, a DJ, crafts, raffles, a butterfly tent, characters, as well as activities and information on therapies and services available for autism in our area. The event is expected to start with a butterfly release.”

 

Historically, attendance has been 200 to 500 people, dependent on the weather.

 

The event will help close out National Autism Awareness Month locally.

 

“It is exciting that we have done this event – the walk – for 11 years and that our group has continued to support ASD families and grow. What we love about this event is that it is set up to be fun for families and that everyone is welcome to attend, “ Robinson said.

 

The Corridor Chapter ASWV has over 250 registered families and continues to grow.

 

Families are located in the “corridor” counties of Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Taylor, Doddridge, Barbour and Lewis counties.

 

With the prevalence of autism continuing to increase, the group provides educational, social and emotional support to ASD families.

 

“A lot of people do not understand autism or what services are available. Hopefully families affected by autism that are not part of our group can come and get some great information, including information about our group. In addition to education,” Robinson said. “The idea behind the Corridor Chapter is to provide a supportive, accepting environment and activities for families affected by autism.

 

"A lot of the things we do together, families may not consider doing by themselves. It helps them expand what they do and can improve the quality of their family life. In addition to ASD families, we hope that the community will also come and continue to support us.”

 

With the CDC estimating that the current prevalence of autism in the United States at 1 in every 31 births, if not more prevalent, awareness of this complex disability by the general public is a critical element to enable persons with autism to lead productive and self-sufficient lives.

 

With the increase in individuals being diagnosed with autism, everyone either knows or interacts with individuals with autism.

 

The Corridor Chapter is a volunteer 501c (3) organization.

 

Some of the group’s activities include family education, sensory movies, family swims, bowling, baseball games and an Annual Swim Challenge with the Fairmont State University Swim Team.

 

The chapter tries to find activities throughout the year to cover all age groups from pre-school to adult so that families can pick and choose which activities to participate in.

 

For more information, contact corridorchapterwv@gmail.com or call Carol Giles at 304-377-4917.