My little brother’s name is Trevor and he is 13 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was two. He is unable to talk and therefore has poor communication and social skills, which inhibit his ability to have friendships and relationships other than with immediate family. His narrow attention span, severe social awkwardness, and self-abusive tendencies, deeply sadden both me and my family, and we are going to every effort to help treat his disorder and allow him to live a normal life.
Alpha Xi Delta’s Step it Up 5K will raise money for Autism Speaks, a charity that funds and promotes autism research, awareness, and fundraising events. I am so very thankful to everyone already committing to coming and supporting the event, and to those that are donating money to Autism Speaks. I sincerely hope that one day my sweet brother will be able to communicate, build friendships (maybe even get married), and contribute to society, and I feel that the only hope for that is through the research funded by organizations similar to Autism Speaks. If you aren’t doing anything on Sunday morning, October 5th, please come out to Alpha Xi Delta’s 5k to raise autism awareness and support my little man.
-Kiley, President (Pledge Class 2010)
Alpha Xi Delta’s Step it Up 5K will raise money for Autism Speaks, a charity that funds and promotes autism research, awareness, and fundraising events. I am so very thankful to everyone already committing to coming and supporting the event, and to those that are donating money to Autism Speaks. I sincerely hope that one day my sweet brother will be able to communicate, build friendships (maybe even get married), and contribute to society, and I feel that the only hope for that is through the research funded by organizations similar to Autism Speaks. If you aren’t doing anything on Sunday morning, October 5th, please come out to Alpha Xi Delta’s 5k to raise autism awareness and support my little man.
-Kiley, President (Pledge Class 2010)
"In high school, I volunteered with an organization called FOCUS, Families of Children Under Stress, where I met kids with different special needs like autism along with other physical and mental disabilities. It was through my volunteering that I became interested in medicine and the biotechnology industry because I realized I could help better their lives." -Marguerite (Pledge Class 2013)
"While interning for Autism Speaks this past summer, I learned a lot about the organization and what resources are out there for individuals with autism. I was also ale to see the challenges that these families face, and why it is so important to build this support system for them. It’s extraordinarily tough both financially and emotionally to have a child on the autism spectrum, and I really believe in the work that Autism Speaks is doing and the impact that they are striving to make around the world." -Kaitlin (Pledge Class 2012)
"My cousin, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism by the time he was two. Growing up I didn't realize how big of a deal it was. Andrew was just a little harder to communicate with and he didn't always cooperate like my sister and me, but he could tell you anything about every type of airplane. He knew flight numbers, how many seats each plane had, and even where the emergency exits were. Last month Andrew turned twenty. He only has one year left in the public school system. When school ends, Andrew hopes to work in the film industry, but his social skills limit his potential. This is why Autism Speaks is so important. It allows my Xisters and I to help people like Andrew live up to their potential." -Madi (Pledge Class 2014)
"While interning for Autism Speaks this past summer, I learned a lot about the organization and what resources are out there for individuals with autism. I was also ale to see the challenges that these families face, and why it is so important to build this support system for them. It’s extraordinarily tough both financially and emotionally to have a child on the autism spectrum, and I really believe in the work that Autism Speaks is doing and the impact that they are striving to make around the world." -Kaitlin (Pledge Class 2012)
"My cousin, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism by the time he was two. Growing up I didn't realize how big of a deal it was. Andrew was just a little harder to communicate with and he didn't always cooperate like my sister and me, but he could tell you anything about every type of airplane. He knew flight numbers, how many seats each plane had, and even where the emergency exits were. Last month Andrew turned twenty. He only has one year left in the public school system. When school ends, Andrew hopes to work in the film industry, but his social skills limit his potential. This is why Autism Speaks is so important. It allows my Xisters and I to help people like Andrew live up to their potential." -Madi (Pledge Class 2014)