Autism Tough Foundation Kicks Off Austims Awareness Month

Scene from 2025 Walk for Autism.

Walk for Autism April 26th

Autism Tough is gearing up for another great Walk for Autism to celebrate Autism Awareness month. Each April, ATF host the walk along with a resource fair, kid zone, petting zone, face painting and more. This years t-shirts theme is Awareness is the first step to Acceptance, and they couldn’t agree more! The walk is April 26, 2026 at Keystone High School from 1:00 till 3:00 p.m.

Autism Tough Foundation, (ATF), is a local, Knox based, 501c3 nonprofit that provides items and events for individuals living on the Autism Spectrum or with any other intellectual disability. ATF was formed in 2018 by the board after seeing a need of services in our local area which includes Clarion and Venango counties and the surrounding communities. Board members include; Kevin Tharan, Kayla Simpson, Becky Russell, Jon and Holly Weaver and Beth Sauer. Each board member has been directly blessed with knowing, working or sharing in the lives of these amazing individuals. All the board members donate their time to the organization. They share a passion for individuals with Autism and creating a kinder and more accepting local area for individuals with special needs. We also have an amazing list of volunteers that assist in our events.

The foundation’s mission statement is to create a better world through kindness and acceptance. With funds raised the group has provided assistance to local families struggling to provide equipment and therapies needed to enhance their lifestyles. An adaptive walker and a rocker chair to assist in safe stimming have been provided. ATF has hosted numerous sensory free events including swim parties, Christmas night at the movies, Trampoline party, Harvest party, Easter egg hunts and also paired up with the Venango County 4-H Fair to host Bacon Buddies. Bacon Buddies provided the opportunity for our participants to be paired with senior 4-Hers and show a market hog in the show ring. We tailor the activities for the whole family to take part in alongside their family member with special needs. We have provided our local first responders and police information on how recognize and help individuals with special needs in emergency situations. We provided the stations with a backpack to help in an emergency situation. The back packs included communication boards, a weighted snake, numerous sensory items to help with busy hands, a flashlight, a blanket and other items to assist with keeping someone calm during that stressful event.

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