April is Autism Awareness Month!
According to the Autism Society about one percent of the world population has an autism spectrum disorder, and more than 3.5 billion Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. April is Autism Awareness Month and here are some ways you can show support around Richmond and VCU.
Light up your house or apartment blue!
Blue is the official color for autism. This year April 2 is the official day to light your house or apartment to show support. Just because April 2 is the official day doesn’t mean you can’t have your place lit for the entire month! Many famous landmarks around the world light up blue for autism. So for this month, invest in some blue light bulbs and go crazy! Also, check out the Ram horns that will be lit up blue for some of April!
Wear blue!
This is an obvious way to show support. Again, blue is the color for autism awareness. Wear all the blue you have in your wardrobe for the entire month of April!
Support Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy!
Alpha Xi Delta is a sorority here at VCU, and their philanthropy is autism awareness. They partnered with Autism Speaks, which raises money for Autism research. Alpha Xi Delta will be having events throughout the month of April to raise money for their philanthropy.
- Catch them on April 2 in Shafer where they will be passing out free blue snow cones, stickers and temporary tattoos. That same day they will be having a bake sale from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Compass.
- On April 6 Alpha Xi Delta will be hosting a Xiesta in the University Student Commons in Virginia Rooms C and D. Tickets are $5 if purchased from a sister before the event or $7 at the door. The event will have food catered from Little Mexico! Meet and eat with the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta and raise money for this amazing cause.
- The final event Alpha Xi Delta will put on is called the AmaXing Challenge. This event takes place on Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m. This is a huge event and Alpha Xi Delta chapters all around the nation put on their own AmaXing Challenges. The challenge includes teams of six where it costs $60 for each team. Teams will be led by sisters throughout VCU to complete 10 different stations. When a station is complete, the team will receive a puzzle piece and move on to the next station. After getting all 10 puzzle pieces, they will race to the start line and put all the puzzle pieces together!
Local restaurants and shops are participating in supporting autism awareness:
- Genghis Grill: On April 2, 2o percent of sales will benefit Autism Speaks. (11500 Midlothian Turnpike and 11849 W. Broad St.).
- Vineyard Vines: On April 19, Vineyard Vines will be having a 10 percent off sale with 10 percent going to autism research.
- Sweet Frog: On April 2, a percent of the proceeds from your purchase will go to Autism Speaks.
Remember to wear blue this month and try to get involved to support autism research. If you have any questions about autism or would like to donate, go to www.autismspeaks.org.