AUGUSTA, Ga. () — Autism Awareness is taking center stage in the CSRA this April. The 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Walk-A-Thon is set for Sunday, April 6, at 10 a.m. at Lake Olmstead. MOM’S Annual Breakfast will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 9 a.m. at the Richmond County Public Library. Both events are organized by MOM Moving Over Mountains Against Autism, a nonprofit founded by Deidre Robertson, inspired by her son, Marshall.

“When I was going through it, I didn’t have anyone,” Roberson said. “So, I made it something that I could give back to the community. I worked to get the resources, transition, and things like that for other parents.”

Now in its third year, the Walk-a-thon continues to grow, with new additions like trophies. “This year, we are encouraging families to bring out lawn chairs and tents.”

Roberson, who once traveled to Atlanta for autism awareness events, saw the need in the CSRA. “We always did the autism walk and raise money for that. And I felt like we needed it here, so I decided to start it myself and it’s flourishing.”

In addition to the walk, the annual Autism Awareness Breakfast offers families a chance to connect while learning from experts. This year’s event will focus on key life transitions, covering topics from early childhood therapy to adulthood planning.

One story that really stands out to Roberson is about Emma Jeffers from Washington County. She came to last year’s walk with her great-grandson, Calvin, not realizing people like her were out here to help. “I’m an advocate, so I do a lot of IEP meetings and stuff like that. Even though she’s in Washington, I’m still doing IEP meetings with her there as well. She always talks about how much I’ve helped. She used to go into those meetings, and it was like a foreign language to her. Now that I’m in those meetings with her, I can break it down and explain exactly what it means.”

Roberson also announced the launch of MOM’s new website, mom2013.com, which provides event details and local resources for families. “And the best part about it is, when you click on it, there’s a button. You can either click ‘Call,’ and you’ll reach me directly, click ‘Email,’ and you’ll email me directly, or go to Facebook, and you’ll go straight to our Facebook page.”

Registration for both events is available on Eventbrite and through the new website.