On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Every Step Counts Walk & 5K showed just how powerful community can be. Nearly 1,000 participants — including families, teams, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters — came together with one shared mission: to celebrate inclusion, connection, and the strength of Maryland’s autism community.
The energy was truly superpowered! From the early morning set-up to the final cheers at the finish line, every moment was filled with joy, compassion, and teamwork.
We are so grateful for the incredible outpouring of support and are still soaking it all in. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing highlights, photos, and shout-outs to our amazing sponsors and volunteers who helped make the day unforgettable.
Even if you weren’t able to join us in person, you can still make a difference — donations to your favorite team remain open.
Together, we continue to show that Every Step Counts toward a more inclusive world.
FUNDRAISING was TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, AUSOM Superhero Day fundraising soared past our goals! Together, we raised more than we ever imagined — fueling programs, support, and inclusion for individuals and families across Maryland.
We are accepting donations until October 31, 2025! DONATE today to help us take our goal to INFINITY AND BEYOND!
SUPERHERO’s = SUPER SUCCESS!
Our AUSOM Superhero Day was a huge success! The day was full of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments as families and participants celebrated together. Even Spider-Man, Superman, and Wonder Woman made special appearances, bringing smiles and superhero energy to everyone. From creative costumes to fun activities, it was a joyful day of friendship, fun, and empowerment. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this day super!
CLICK for Every Step Counts photos, SuperPooch photos, and Photo Booth memories.
CLICK for 5K Results and photo finish video.
CLICK for Team Fundraisers
SuperPooches!
The Super Pooches stole the show at AUSOM Superhero Day! Our four-legged heroes arrived in full costume—capes, masks, and all—ready to strut their stuff in the Super Pooch Parade. Tails wagged, smiles spread, and the crowd cheered as each pup showed off their superpowers of joy, comfort, and unconditional love. From tiny sidekicks to mighty mutts, these amazing dogs reminded us that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Thank you to all the Super Pooches (and their super humans!) for adding so much heart and fun to the day! The SuperPooch Parade was sponsored by SupAbilities.
Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors!
TITLE SPONSORS
Pete Pappas & Sons . Elevate Spectrum
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Behavioral Framework . Amigo Care ABA
GOLD SPONSORS
2-17 The Difference . The Family of Shane Syed . Harkins Builders, Inc. . The Family of Shane Syed . Maryland Dept. of Health, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau . Ronald and Cynthia Gula Charitable Fund . SECU . SupAbilities
SILVER SPONSORS
ALCO Pharmacy . APL Federal Credit Union . Apple Ford Lincoln . Miclette Consulting . L. Earl & Mary T. Armiger Foundation . Maryland Live Casino . Sherma & Associates – Sign Sponsor . Verbal Beginnings . Wegmans
IRON SPONSORS
Davis Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC
BRONZE SPONSORS
Crossroads Psychological Associates . Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation . Sheppard Pratt Health System
COPPER SPONSORS
Attain ABA Therapy . Back to Basics Pediatric Therapy . Children Matter Therapy 4 Kids . Children’s Specialized ABA Center for Autism . Compassionate Care ABA Therapy . Elville and Associates . EmpoweredED Advocates . Front Row Pediatric Dentistry . GT Independence . Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home . Helping Hands Family . Howard County Education Association . Linwood Center . Stephanie Maric, Realtor, The Legal Team . NeuroBehavioral Associates . SPIRIT Club . Valley Deck & Patio
FRIEND SPONSOR
Robin & Robert Ballinger, Sr. . The Curran Knittle Group at Harbor Investment Advisory . Harper’s Choice Community Association . Kennedy Krieger Behavioral Psychology . Lifesolved Coaching . Maryland ABLE . Thrive Emerge
IN-KIND SPONSOR
Feet First . Columbia Presbyterian Church
GRAB N GO BAG SPONSOR
Maryland Department of Health, Cancer & Chronic Disease
VALUED PARTNERS
Accessible Resources for Independence . The Arc of Howard County . Athletes Serving Athletes . Autism Society of America . Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake . Disability Rights Maryland . Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community . Every Life Works . Giant Food – Pharmacy . Howard County Public School System Family Support & Resource Center . Howard County Public School System Special Education . Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks . Howard County Disability Services – The Loan Closet of Howard County . Howard County Government – Office of the Local Children’s Board . Howard County Health Department . Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition . Howard County Police Department . Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) . Howard County Special Olympics . Maryland Autism Coalition . Maryland Coalition of Families . My Life Learning Center . The Parents’ Place of Maryland . Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds) . Pathfinders of Autism . People on the Go Maryland . Project Look At Me . R. I. C. O. C. H. E. T. Inc. . UMD Autism Family Culture and Communication Education Lab (ACCEL) . The Wendy KLAG Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Race Timing provided by: Racine MultiSports
T-Shirts provided by: Every Life Works
Awards and Trophies provided by: Advantage Awards and Engraving
Graphic Design provided by: Market Impressions
Video Production provided by: Dog House Media
