As a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Autism Speaks holds a special place in my heart due to the fact that it is our philanthropy. Alpha Xi Delta has raised over $4 million for this wonderful organization through events, fundraisers, and Walk Now for Autism Speaks. But enough bragging (just kidding, but really), let us touch on a few aspects of autism and Autism Speaks.

1 in 68 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder, and 1 in 42 are boys. Autism is “one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the U.S.” and has no cure. Autism costs about $60,000 a year on average for a family affected by this disorder. Red flags for this disorder include “no big smiles or warm joyful expressions by six months, no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months, no babbling by 12 months, no pointing, showing or reaching by 12 months, no words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months and any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age.”

Autism Speaks mission is “to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorder” by providing funding for research into causes, prevention, treatment, awareness and a possible cure. They provide various kits such as the 100 Day Kit for School Age Children, the Advocacy Tool Kit, the Blood Draw Tool Kit, Dental Professionals’ Tool Kit, the Sleep Tool Kits, the Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit and many more. (For more information and examples of each tool kit, click here).

Autism Speaks appreciates and encourages donations, volunteers and advocates. The community can become involved by becoming a partner, attending an event where proceeds go to Autism Speaks, or participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

My personal experience with Walk Now for Autism Speaks was amazing. It was located in Cleveland, Ohio around The Q basketball arena and finishing inside Progressive Field. The number of people who participated in the event was breathtaking and inspiring. Whether they were participating for a family member, as a team or individually, each person there had the same purpose as the next. I would say there were maybe over one thousand people walking that day. The line of people continued to fill the stadium and that is where you could truly see the large number of people there. It was definitely worth the experience.

Autism Speaks is a wonderful organization and I am so blessed to be able to be a part of a sorority that works so closely with them. If you ever have to opportunity to attend an event or a walk, take that opportunity to experience each and know that you are doing it for something bigger than yourself.

For more information about Autism Speaks, visit their website: https://www.autismspeaks.org/.