Miramar brings community together for autism awareness events. Here are details
The City of Miramar is highlighting the autistic community and their families this month by providing resources and increasing awareness. Each event is hosted by Commissioner Maxwell Chambers.
Miramar was designated as an Autism-Friendly City in 2025 by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, a partnership initiative of the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University.
The city highlights autism-related businesses and has communication boards at parks that serve as visual aids to help those with speech or language challenges.
Autism gets the spotlight every April through various acceptance and awareness months, mainly World Autism Month. The United Nations has dedicated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to the range of conditions characterized by challenges with social communication skills and repetitive or restrictive behaviors and thinking, according to Autism Speaks.
On April 6, the city held an emergency preparedness workshop for families of people with autism. Sponsored by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, the event helped make sure that all residents are “prepared, supported, and considered before, during, and after an emergency,” the Eventbrite page reads.
Customized backpacks, created by local advocates Betsy Germain Evans and Kathy Rodriguez, both of whom have children on the autism spectrum, were introduced.
The Ready, Set Backpack program creates bags with items including stuffed animals and portable tents to help autistic individuals reduce stress during emergencies such as hurricanes or while in shelters.
Check out some of the autism-related events happening in Miramar in April:
Autism Awareness Resource Fair — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18
Wondering what special needs resources are available in your city? This event at Miramar Regional Park aims to educate the community on how people can get help.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local organizations, gather valuable information, and explore supportive services designed to empower individuals of all abilities,” the Eventbrite page reads.
Attend for free using the page’s sign up.
Walk with Miramar for Autism — 7 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 25
Another free event is the walk at Miramar Regional Park. It’s a 15-minute walk for under a mile, meant to bring people together for a demonstration of Autism awareness.
The walk is in partnership with Memorial Healthcare System and Reyna Group Homes Foundation. Register as an individual or as a team on Eventbrite.
Chambers said that a bootcamp will take place after the walk for extra exercise. The walk begins at 8 a.m.
