More than 2,000 people took part in Hope Network’s Bridge Walk for Autism in downtown Grand Rapids this year. This was more than double the number of supporters from last year’s event.

The big event comes as the CDC recently revealed an increase in autism diagnoses to 1 in 31 children. The ratio was 1 in 54 children 11 years ago. The report said the increase is because of better screening and diagnosis and access to services.