MIAMI — A large crowd turned out in southwest Miami-Dade for a longtime community event supporting autism awareness.

For 21 years, Autism Speaks has hosted its annual walk and 5K run. This year marked a first, with the event held at Zoo Miami, giving participants a unique setting for the race.

After crossing the finish line, runners and walkers headed to cooldown tents, where they found food, music and a resource fair. Organizations and schools were on hand offering programs and one-on-one support for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum.

Among those taking part was José Gregorisch, a volunteer with Autism Speaks and the fire marshal for the city of Miramar. He shared his personal journey after being diagnosed with autism about a year and a half ago.

Gregorisch said he sought a diagnosis after recognizing similarities between his own experiences and the challenges faced by his children, two of whom are also on the spectrum. He said the diagnosis helped him better understand his life and show his children that success is possible.

“It allowed me to show my children that somebody can accomplish some incredible things in life, even with this diagnosis,” Gregorisch said. “But it also allowed me to realize why a lot of things that happened in my life the way that they had, and so little by little, the more I learned, the more I stepped into getting comfortable with my own skin, and the more this incredible community opened their arms to me.”

Autism Speaks organizers highlighted the importance of support beyond age 22, with a focus on employment, housing and education.

The organization also offers a helpline, 1-888-AUTISM2, for families seeking resources and support.

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