Early Autism Project Launches Run for Autism 2026 to Celebrate 20 Years and Raise Funds for Autism Support

Kuala Lumpur, 26 March 2026 – In conjunction with its 20th anniversary and World Autism Awareness Month, Early Autism Project Malaysia is proud to announce Run for Autism 2026, a nationwide initiative to raise funds and expand access to autism services.

The two‑week virtual run will take place from 2–18 April 2026, culminating in an autism‑friendly charity carnival and community fun run at Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur on 18 April 2026. All proceeds will benefit Early Autism Project’s non‑profit arm, The Hope Project.

Purpose and Impact

Funds raised will support:

• The development of the free Autism At Home digital app, providing parents, teachers, and caregivers with accessible resources, training modules, and practical guides.
• Subsidised services for families in need.
• Nationwide support for nonprofit autism centres through clinical upskilling and capacity building.

Since its launch, The Hope Project has impacted over 1,600 children through subsidised services and scholarships, reached 4,000 subscribers via its online resource portal, and engaged more than 1 million individuals through awareness campaigns.

Registration Details

• Virtual Run: RM80 (inclusive of race kit and e‑certificate).
• Final Lap Fun Run (Carnival only): RM50 (inclusive of race kit).
• Registration closes 1 April 2026.
• Open to individuals aged 12 and above.
• Participants will complete 20km at their own pace between 2–18 April, tracked digitally.

Carnival Highlights

The Run for Autism Carnival promises a vibrant day of inclusive activities, performances, and community engagement:

• Warm‑up sessions led by DailyMuscle LightHouse alongside neurodiverse young adults.
• Live performances by Zimi J, a band comprising musicians with autism.
• Autism‑friendly booths by Autism Cafe Project, NASOM, ARISMA, IDEAS Autism Centre, and Stand Pie Me.
• Family activities including face painting, reading corners, Milo and Koko‑Krunch trucks, and free autism screenings supervised by the Early Autism Project team.

The final lap fun run will be flagged off by Datuk Stuart Ramalingam, Chairman of Majlis Sukan Wilayah, and led by autism advocates Dr Say Shazril and Dr Azura Abas.

Voices of Advocacy

Dr Jochebed Isaacs, Director of Early Autism Project, shared:

“Run for Autism 2026 is not just a celebration of 20 years of Early Autism Project, but also a milestone for The Hope Project as it marks its 10th anniversary. With autism diagnoses in Malaysia rising by over 660% from 2013 to 2023, there has never been a more important time to come together in support of neurodiverse individuals. Every step taken in this run contributes directly to resources, services, and programmes that empower families and children on the autism spectrum across Malaysia.”

Partners and Support

The event is supported by Nestle Malaysia, ZUS Coffee, DailyMuscle LightHouse, Purple Box Sdn. Bhd., and Nozig, with venue sponsorship by Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur.