Autism Resource Central's Autism Superhero 5k is back in person and better than ever at Polar Park in Worcester! I hope you'll join Luca‘s Pack for a 5k run or stroll, exciting activities, and a fun-filled day of autism acceptance. Our fundraising efforts will benefit the programs at HMEA's Autism Resource Central that support over 4,000 families in Central Massachusetts challenged by an autism diagnosis in these already challenging times.

OUR STORY : Around here we spread awareness about Luca and autism every day, every month, every year. Autism is not a dirty word over here. Luca is Autistic and autism is his superpower. We own it and couldn’t be more proud. With spreading awareness our goal is for the rest of the world to accept him, children and adults like him, and do the same. As a mother I will NEVER stop fighting for my children. I want, I hope for Autism Acceptance. If you see a person flapping their arms in excitement or using a technological device to communicate think about my Luca. If you see someone in public frustrated and having a meltdown or wearing noise cancelling headphones in public think about my Luca. The amazing boy who loves all animals; especially bears, lions and tigers and penne with butter and nutella. The boy who is full of emotion and love. The boy who has taught us that love needs no words. I tell him, “Luca, I love you buddy”. Luca comes over and gives me a kiss, that’s how he tells me he loves me. His love is much too big to be confined within three simple words. His love is much too big for words alone. He’s “labeled” as nonverbal, but he hears you. Just because Luca can’t speak like you or I doesn’t mean he can't communicate. And just because he can’t answer you in a way that you understand, doesn’t mean he doesn’t hear you or understand you. Think about how he has opened your eyes and shared with you his superpower of autism. Don’t be alarmed, afraid, don’t judge because we sense that. If you see a stranger like my son I hope you will give them a reassuring smile or even say hello. Start conversations with those who come off as ignorant. Make them aware. Awareness turns into Acceptance and that’s all I can ask for. Luca may be different but he is not less 💙