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Autism Speaks U “Light It Up Blue” LIVE Q&A Transcript
On Thursday, February 16, our Autism Speaks U team hosted a LIVE Facebook Q&A for college students across the country. We discussed Light It Up Blue, World Autism Awareness Day, awareness/fundraising event ideas and shared links to awareness and promotions resources. If you were unable to join, read below for the full transcript. Visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U for more information.
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Did you know that Monday, April 2 is Light It Up Blue and World Autism Awareness Day?
Yes: ( 73% )
No: ( 27% ) |
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Did your school light it up blue last year?
Yes: ( 11% )
No: ( 89% ) |
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 UConn’s Wilbur Cross Building.
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UC Berkeley’s Campanile
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Colgate University’s campus chapel.
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Case Western Reserve University’s Peter B. Lewis building.
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The Great Buddah at Hyogo in Kobe, Japan. – We know it’s not a school, but this is one of our favorite pictures!
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Is your school planning to light up a building/monument blue this year?
Yes: ( 48% )
No: ( 52% ) |
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Comment From Brooklyn at ISU
I love that block party idea
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Do you prefer attending a monthly Facebook Q&A or would you rather have a monthly conference call?
Conference call: ( 11% )
Facebook Q&A: ( 89% ) |
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LIVE Facebook Q&A for College Students on Light It Up Blue!
The Autism Speaks U team will be hosting a LIVE Facebook Q&A for college students, on Light It Up Blue and Autism Awareness Month this Thursday, February 16 at 5pm EST/2pm PST.
RSVP at http://on.fb.me/rsvpfeb or join the chat directly at http://on.fb.me/febchat.
Our team will discuss how to get started and ways to get your campus to Light It Up Blue. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas with other students from across the country.
We look forward to chatting with you!
To see how you can get involved with the program, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U.
Player’s Perspective: Colgate University’s Autism Awareness Project
The two posts below were written by Caroline and Taylor, members of Colgate University’s Women’s Hockey Team. The team’s Autism Awareness Project will be on Friday, February 3 at 7pm. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.colgate.edu/autism.
As our Autism Awareness game has been fast approaching, we have grown more and more excited by the second. As a sophomore, I have witnessed the first year of our autism project, and have even higher expectations for this year. Every time I see a friend, classmate, or another athlete, I ask them if they will be attending the game. Every response is alongthe lines of, “Of course! Our whole team is coming.” It is such an amazing feeling to hear such words, because we know that the whole community is behind us with this project. Ever since my freshman year at Choate Rosemary Hall, I have been involved with autism. During the month of January and February, my Choate hockey team would skate with mentally handicapped kids every Sunday, including kids with the brain disorder, autism. I became incredibly close with a boy named David. He had a huge heart and he would always tell me stories about his teams, his family, and how we were going to win the championship hockey game. When I graduated Choate, I was sad to leave such an eye-opening project, but I was quickly uplifted when my coach, Scott Wiley, announced our autism project for 2011. Coach Wiley designed this project in honor of Kati Williams, a local teenager from Norwich, who has been an avid fan of Colgate Women’s hockey for several years and now works as the team manager. She and her family have had a huge impact on our team. Last year’s project allowed us to cross paths with Christian Mast, an 11 year old boy who has autism, but also the biggest heart I know. He and his family have grown a part of our team, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. -Caroline Potolicchio, Sophomore, #2
Caroline & Taylor: Members of Colgate University's Women's Hockey Team
Before even coming to Colgate, I had already heard wonderful reports about the success of the Autism Awareness game last year. With the game fast approaching it has been fun to be apart of all of the excitement and commotion I am excited to see all of our hard work pay off this coming Friday. I am so thankful to be a part of such a great team that truly cares for a bigger cause. Just this past weekend when we were on a road trip, a St. Lawrence parent approached me, because she wanted us to know her gratitude to what we were doing for autism. She explained that the biggest problem with this disorder is that a lot of people are not educated that it even exists or that they could potential be diagnosed with it. She stated how our game and the publicity that it receives could be responsible for changing someone’s life. I can contest to this first hand, because our biggest fan is eleven-year-old Autistic boy. Just the way that Christian lights up when he comes to a game to see us, makes all of our efforts and time worth while. I am very excited to see the jerseys that Christian designed for our game, and I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of spreading autism awareness. -Taylor Craig, Freshman, #5
For more information on Colgate University’s Autism Awareness Project or to make a donation, visit www.colgate.edu/autism.
Colgate University’s Autism Awareness Project
This blog post was written by Erin Mast, the Chair for the Central New York Walk Now for Autism Speaks. She is an active member of the autism community and a mother of three boys. Erin and her family have cultivated a wonderful relationship with Colgate University’s Women’s Hockey team. For details about Colgate’s Autism Awarenss Project or to make a donation, visit www.colgate.edu/autism.
If you are reading this blog, then most likely you have some connection to autism. I have two wonderful boys, who happen to be on the spectrum. I also chair the Central New York Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Through my volunteer efforts, I was lucky enough to be involved with the first ever Autism Awareness Event at Colgate University, hosted by the women’s ice hockey team in 2011. On February 3 and the 4, the team is hosting their second event. They are planning amazing things and making such a huge difference to the members of their community. But, more importantly than that, they are changing the lives of people with autism. They are blessed with a wonderful manager, Kati, who is a huge part of the team. Kati has autism. But, it has gone further than that. My son Christian went along with me last year and it has honestly changed his life. He is now playing ice hockey with the Rochester Ice Cats, who are a member of the American Special Hockey Association. Christian was also asked to design the jerseys for the Colgate games throughout the weekend, which he did happily. The jerseys will be worn for two games and then auctioned off, the proceeds being donated to Autism Speaks and other local autism charities
If you would have asked me if an ice hockey program could have changed my life, I would have said, “Absolutely not.” How wrong I would have been. Please take a moment to check out all that the ladies at Colgate University are doing to make a difference in the autism community by going to http://colgate.edu/autism. Support the team and all their efforts! Better yet, join us at Starr Rink on Friday, February 3 at 7:00 pm. Their goal is to break last year’s record by having 1200 fans. Wear blue and get in for free!
Get College Students Involved with Autism Speaks U!
Are you a college student? Do you want to raise awareness about autism while gaining volunteer hours and experience for your resume? If so, join our team at Autism Speaks U to recruit students on your campus to host events benefiting our cause and to start a collegiate chapter. Become a Campus Ambassador at any college! You do not have to be close to an Autism Speaks office. It requires a time commitment of 3-5 hours per week for 3 months during the school year.
Watch our video below and click here for more information.
Autism Speaks U is a program designed to support college students in their awareness, advocacy and fundraising efforts. If you are interested in raising awareness on your college campus, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U.
What Autism Means to Me: Natalie Davis
This guest post is by Natalie Davis, a senior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota majoring in chemistry. Natalie serves as Miss Minnesota 2011 and has adopted autism awareness as her pageant’s service platform.
As I am sure is the case for most people who are touched by autism, I have always seen my disposition as the sibling of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as both a blessing and a curse. When I was a child, I knew my brother Trevor was different. He spent hours silently lining up toy cars into perfect rows instead of playing with other kids. He didn’t speak until he was 3, and he couldn’t produce a full sentence until he was 7. Trevor seemed to be in his own little world, but he and I were connected.
Natalie and her brother, Trevor
Even though Trevor couldn’t speak, I always knew what he needed. I was constantly on high alert regarding his emotions and any environmental factors that might upset him. For as long as I can remember, I have been his helper and protector. When kids bullied him, I quickly tried to explain, “He’s special ed.,” hoping they would have mercy. When he threw tantrums because he didn’t want to do his schoolwork, I slyly suggested a game of “tutor” instead. I helped him cover his ears when the sound of a fire truck was too much for him to bear.
Things have always been harder for Trevor. I went to a prestigious private school; Trevor was in public school in special education. I was invited to countless birthday parties; Trevor wasn’t invited to any. I was the star. I was the pageant queen, singer, athlete, and brilliant student. I seemed to have it all, but I had a brother who struggled.
Growing up with a brother who has ASD has not been easy. But when things get tough, my parents remind me to count my blessings. Despite his challenges, Trevor graduated from high school in the top 50% of his class, and he is currently a part-time student at St. Cloud State University. He plays piano, he is an excellent public speaker, and he is an Eagle Scout. His dream is to become a best-selling children’s book author. Just because Trevor is different does not mean that he is less. Yes, he faces challenges that most individuals never have to face, but the fact that he has continually overcome many those challenges makes Trevor extraordinary.
Autism Speaks U is a program designed for college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, while supporting their local autism communities.If you are interested in raising awareness on your college campus visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U.
17 Wishes from an Adult with Autism
This guest post is by Autism Speaks staffer Kerry Magro. Kerry, an adult who has autism, is a recent graduate of Seton Hall University. He started the club Student Disability Awareness on campus to help spread awareness and raise funds for those affected by autism. Autism Speaks U is a program designed for college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, while supporting their local autism communities.
If I had to make a list, this is what I would wish for the Autism Community…
1. I wish that acceptance was easier to come by.
2. I wish that loving one another was always on our mind.
3. I wish that an “early diagnosis” remains a high priority.
4. I wish that people would stop calling autism a disease.
5. I wish that communication becomes easier for everyone with autism. We are trying.
6. I wish that we find more treatments to enhance the lives of people with autism.
7. I wish that insurance for autism gets passed in all 50 states.
8. I wish that the government would understand the need for services for the autistic in schools.
9. I wish that autistic individuals can one day live their lives independently.
10. I wish that I was capable of helping more.
11. I wish that people would stop using the words “socially awkward” and “retard” in a negative way.
12. I wish we raise awareness for all with disabilities. Those of us living with a disability are doing our very best.
13. I wish for those who are or love someone who is on the spectrum that you know that we are moving forward every single day.
14. I wish that all of our voices can be heard.
15. I wish everyone will follow the words of one of my favorite performers of all time, Michael Jackson who sang in his song called, “Man in the Mirror”, If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.
16. I wish you all knew me when I was 4, when I was diagnosed with autism. For a long time I was lost. Scared of myself and what I was capable of. I never thought I would be where I am today… but I did it. I graduated from Seton Hall University this past May and will be going to Graduate School for Strategic Communications in the fall to boot. So for my final wish:
17. I wish for you all to always live life with hope. I wish that your days are filled with hope for a better tomorrow, and for today no matter how dark life gets sometimes that you realize you’re never alone. I wish this for you…
* I encourage everyone in the Autism Community to remember that we must come together as a true community to put our best foot forward. I know we all have a lot of wishes out there so let’s avoid distractions and focus on progress so we can all, “Make a Difference”. You can also find this article in the SFGate here.
This is one of my Autism Speaks U related blog posts. If you would like to contact me directly about questions/comments related to this post I can be reached at kerry.magro@autismspeaks.org or through my Fan Page here.
Tune in to “The Talk” Friday, April 8
CBS’s popular talk show “The Talk” will feature the the second of four weekly segments about autism on Friday, April 8. The April 8 segment of focuses on fathers of children with autism. Sometimes called the “forgotten parents,” this show explores how fathers process an autism diagnosis differently, resulting in marital discord. Holly Robinson Peete’s husband, former NFL QB Rodney Peete, author of “NOT MY BOY, A Father, A Son and One Family’s Journey With Autism,” and actor Joe Mantegna join the show for a conversation with fathers whose children have been diagnosed with autism.
Read a release from CBS describing the whole series here. And see how “The Talk” lit it up blue on April 1 here.
Check your local listings for the time near you!
Australia to Light It Up Blue
We are so excited to share with you all what is going on ‘Down Under’ for Light It Up Blue and World Autism Awareness Month. Nicole Rogerson, a Director at Autism Awareness, has said, “It’s all about awareness. It is amazing to add Australia to this great global campaign.” Autism Awareness is an Australian-based not-for-profit organization, which was founded in February 2007. Since then, it has grown into the Australia’s largest autism education and advocacy organization, dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the community. For more information, please visit here.
Banners Hung Around Sydney, Australia
Autism Awareness will be running two events for World Autism Awareness day. They will be hosting a reception to see the Sydney Opera House light up blue! People are encouraged to head down to Sydney’s Harbor and join in the festivities and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Check out these banners that have been hung all around Sydney!
For those who can’t attend but who would like to be part of it all, they can go to the Autism Awareness website and light their own virtual light bulb. Head over and light your own bulb!
Autism Awareness will be hosting Australia’s first ever National Autism Summit on April 1st, where 30 of Australia’s leading experts in autism research, medicine, education, and public policy will develop a united action plan for autism in Australia.
Visit Autism Awareness on Facebook and Twitter to get information and updates regularly!
Check out this commercial that has been airing on Australian television. It has generated a lot of interest and discussion throughout the country.
Reflection on Autism
This guest post is by Autism Speaks staffer Kerry Magro. Kerry, an adult who has autism, is a rising senior at Seton Hall University, majoring in Sports Management. He started an Autism Speaks U Chapter: Student Disability Awareness on campus to help spread awareness and raise funds for those affected by autism. Autism Speaks U is a program designed for college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, while supporting their local autism communities.
Over a year ago, I was approached by Autism Speaks to appear in a video called, “Join Us” which was a Thank You Video that was made for the 5th Year Anniversary of Autism Speaks. During the video several people got to speak about autism including myself. Since then Autism Speaks has opened the door to numerous opportunities for me to help spread awareness about autism. While looking back at the past year I took some time with this blog post to reflect on my own experiences with autism and how I can relay what I’ve learned into ways that could help others. The lists below discuss my questions, others peoples’ questions/misconceptions, interests of my own involvement with autism, and ways to help those, like myself, who are in college with autism succeed.
10 Questions I’ve always asked myself about my disability:
- Why Me?
- Does autism define me or do I define autism? (I know I define autism but it’s something I’ve always asked myself in repetition)
- Why do I have the ability to communicate better than others with autism?
- How did autism get started anyway; where did it come from?
- No one in my family has autism so why do I have it?
- If I have kids someday do they have a stronger chance of having autism?
- Was I misdiagnosed; how many individuals with autism live their lives wrongfully diagnosed?
- Will I find someone who is exactly like me on the autism spectrum?
- What can I be doing to make those more aware of autism through my own life experience?
- Do my loved ones and individuals around me treat me differently because I am autistic? Would it be different if I wasn’t?
10 Comments/Questions I’ve heard people say about autism (either directly or indirectly)
- People with autism cannot live a normal life.
- I couldn’t love someone with autism, they are just too different.
- People with autism only have the capability of being loved and being in love with those who are also autistic.
- Autism or not, people are people, all with distinct characteristics that make them unique.
- Isn’t autism a disease that could be spread through vaccines in flu shots?
- Why do more white children have autism than black children?
- Rich families have a better shot at beating autism than those who don’t have the money to pay for treatment.
- Is autism only a communication disorder?
- Family members more often than not suffer more than those who are autistic.
- None of us are perfect at communication so doesn’t that mean there is a little autism in all of us?
My Top 5 movies involving autism:
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
- Adam
- Mozart and The Whale
- Temple Grandin
- Forrest Gump
Favorite book about autism: “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism” Author: Laura Shumaker
When I was diagnosed with autism: 4 and a half
When I first understood I had autism: When I was about 11 and a half.
Favorite moment: Getting into College
Worst moment: Being told that I would die alone by a peer.
Favorite college moment: Getting accreditation for starting a student organization to spread awareness for disabilities called “Student Disability Awareness.”
10 tips for succeeding in college with autism
- Life is unfair at times but you should never let yourself turn into the victim.
Don’t pity yourself or let others pity for you. Be independent and show what your strengths are while you working on your weaknesses. - Spread awareness in everything you do.
The fact is most college students will not have autism, or rather a disability at all. Be informative, use social media and word of mouth as much as possible to get the word out. This doesn’t mean primarily towards autism either. Spreading awareness of many different things you are aware of can lead to a more accepting and understanding environment. - You’re paying for the education, get every accommodation you need!
Regardless if your school is disability friendly or not you have the right to reasonable accommodations. Most colleges just get by with the minimum. Make a stand; learn what reasonable accommodations not only you should receive but what others should be getting too. You could lead to helping a future student with autism have an easier experience by being proactive. If you are not sure what accommodations you should be getting discuss it with an elementary/high school advisor who did your IEP for grammar/high school. Early Intervention is key not only when you are young, but in maximizing every aspect of your life. Research, research, research! - Conquer your fears early on.
One of my favorite poems of all time by poet Marianne Williamson starts out with this line, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” As someone with autism, we all have our focus on certain things that can be seen as strengths. At the same time we also have those things that we focus on that we can be afraid of. The fear of change is the biggest fear that relates to someone with autism in regards to going to college. There are too many what ifs and this is why many young adults tend to opt to live at home rather than go to the college dormitories, especially early on. The faster you can conquer these fears, the faster you can focus on your main objectives and goals out of your college education. - Be proud of who you are!
It is something that can be forgotten very easily. To get into college is a tremendous accomplishment. For someone with autism to get to college is even more momentous of an occasion. It gives tremendous hope to others so always be willing to share your stories, you never know whose listening. - Always take notes.
This is for both inside the class room and out. It is sometimes very difficult to read the perceptions of other people. From one of my last posts called The Blind Side, I mentioned I sometimes have the ability to not understand views from other people’s perspectives. If you become more calculated in your approach to college, and try to take a deeper understanding of others it can help in your overall social development. Have a little notebook that you take place to place to make sure you have the ability to write down these notes and come back to them later to reflect. - Don’t let clutter bother you!
Recently I’ve learned in one of my business classes about the concept of “cognitive dissonance,” meaning having too many thoughts in your mind at one time. Stress can be overbearing so attempt to find a place on campus where you feel most at peace with. This goes with noise also. In college there can be a lot of this whether it is in the dorms, class rooms, or out somewhere on campus. If you want to avoid noise also consider noise canceling headphones. - Exercise!
This is a more general concept but for me, I always had difficulty with hand eye coordination and my motor skills in general so I knew being physically fit was important to my overall development. Autism can affect motor skills so for some this tip will be more useful than to others. Find a daily regiment where you can contribute at least 30 minutes of physical activity to your schedule. - Find out what type of learner you are!
Personally, math and pictures have always been my first language and words have always come second to me. My thoughts in my mind run like videos. This tip helps with the above tip in regards to accommodations. If you know what you are best at, maybe you can find a way to negotiate with your professors on ways to make the class more suits yourself. - Communicate as best you can!
Some of the easiest problems to conquer in college are caused by a lack of communication. If you are not comfortable in doing so, make sure someone else around you knows how to help you with this. Independence is not learned over night but it’s almost impossible to get through college with your family calling all your shots. All disability support offices/services will stress the concept of independence to you and therefore you need to make steady goals and steps on how to overcome any dependency issues you may have.
These tips are simply based on my own thoughts and opinions. Remember that there’s a program that supports college students and the autism community. Get involved with Autism Speaks U to see how you can spread autism awareness on campus and in your community!
I welcome others thoughts and ideas on these subjects in the comments below or through email. Finally, I want to thank everyone who has been reading my posts over the past seven months. Reading your comments and your emails have been very impactful in my own development as a writer. Each new comment/email makes me construct my writing in a way to better help everyone.
As I’ve done in the past feel free to email me if I can be of any assistance. I always try to respond to emails in a timely fashion and try to find more ways that I can reach out to the autism community, and if this is a way I could do so I would be glad to help. Thank you all so very much!
(This is one of my Autism Speaks U related blog posts. If you would like to contact me directly about questions/comments related to this post I can be reached at kerry.magro@autismspeaks.org.)
