Archive
Boston University’s Hockey Teams Raise Autism Awareness
For the past 8 years, Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey Team has partnered with Autism Speaks to raise autism awareness and compassion. They have invited families to private practice sessions, hosted meet and greets, helped build play grounds, and volunteered for the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The team has publicized their involvement with Autism Speaks in media guides, blogs, newspapers, interviews, and at awareness nights in its arena.
This year, their partnership has continued to grow and the players are wearing an Autism Speaks puzzle patch on their jerseys for the entire season. This has created a whirlwind of media attention from TV, radio, and online sports reports. Both the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams have set up Puzzlebuilder fundraising pages, so individuals can purchase a $10 puzzle piece from each player. Their goal is to raise $10,000. Coach Parker also shot a Public Service Announcement about the team’s relationship with Autism Speaks and how important it is to get involved.
This weekend, the following games will be dedicated to Autism Speaks. If in the area, please attend and show your support!
BU Men’s Hockey Autism Awareness Game
Saturday, February 18, 7:30pm
Boston University—Agganis Arena
BU Women’s Hockey Autism Awareness Game
Sunday, February 19, 3pm
Boston University—Walter Brown Arena
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster or at the ticket office window during the night of the game.
Autism Speaks is incredibly grateful to Coach Parker and the BU team for being so connected to the mission of the organization.
For additional information, visit www.goterriers.com/autism. Email lea.hadley@autismspeaks.org for questions regarding the games benefiting Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks U Spotlight: Cornell University Chapter President
This guest post is by Cynthia Vella, a junior at Cornell University. She is an Industrial and Labor Relations major as well as the founder and president of her school’s Autism Speaks U chapter! Autism Speaks U is a program designed for college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, while supporting their local autism communities.
As President and Founder of Autism Speaks U at Cornell University, I feel strongly attached to the goals and values of our newly established club. With an uncle who is autistic, I have heard the struggles my mother and her family went through years ago.
Because of this, I decided Cornell needed to spread awareness about autism to it’s own students. Gathering a few friends and meeting two more great board members along the way, the Autism Speaks U Cornell board has really come together to raise money and especially awareness around campus. Our university organizations have even reached out to help us promote our cause through various student organizations like Greek sororities, fraternities and Hillel. In our second semester on campus, we have expanded our club’s initiatives and are planning a Dance-a-Thon called Dance Now for Autism Speaks U, which we hope will have a huge impact on Cornell.
While last semester was extremely successful, from earning funds through bake sales and through Greek life and Hillel events, this semester, the Autism Speaks U Cornell board has much planned to increase our presence on campus. While bake sales are always easy and fun fundraisers, we plan on holding our first annual Dance-a-Thon on October 22nd in one of our basketball courts with pre-sale tickets, refreshments, cookies, blue decorations, and giveaway t-shirts.
We are currently marketing the event around both the campus and Ithaca community through our school newspaper, media site, flyers and posters. We are also tabling at local dining halls and main libraries where there is a large traffic of students and faculty passing through. We want to reach out to different clubs such as A Cappella and dance groups.
Additionally, one of our board members, Conor Callahan, has teamed up with the Racker Center located in nearby Ithaca for our members to interact with local children affected by autism. We are excited to have this opportunity and plan to start doing smaller events like slumber parties in the spring semester. As our club continues expanding with almost 30 new members this fall, we have more and more great ideas to make the club more successful in our endeavors. New leaders stand out and our board welcomes more students to help raise funds and awareness. We are extremely excited to collaborate with our new members to make a difference in our community.
For more information about Autism Speaks U at Cornell University, contact the chapter president Cynthia Vella at autismspeaksucornell@gmail.com.
Autism Speaks U “Back to School” LIVE Q&A Transcript
On Wednesday, September 21, our Autism Speaks U team hosted a LIVE Facebook Q&A for college students across the country. We discussed topics like how/why to start a collegiate chapter, what events to host, recruiting strategies, and how to secure event funding. If you were unable to join us last night, please read below for the full Q&A transcript. You can also visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U for more information.|
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What is your involvement with Autism Speaks U?
I am part of an Autism Speaks U chapter. ( 38% )
I have hosted an awareness and/or fundraising event for Autism Speaks U. ( 6% )
I have just registered on the Autism Speaks U website. ( 6% )
I have just attended a Walk Now for Autism Speaks. ( 0% )
I have not done anything yet, but would like to! ( 50% )
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What is your connection to autism?
My family member has autism. ( 35% )
I work with or educate those with autism. ( 31% )
My friend’s family is touched by autism. ( 8% )
My child has autism. ( 27% )
I do not personally know anyone touched by autism. ( 0% )
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If you are part of an Autism Speaks U chapter, have or will you participate in your schools fall activities fair?
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Do you know how to contact members of your alumni association?
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No ( 67% )
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Will you submit a photo for our “GO BLUE” Facebook photo contest?
Yes ( 71% )
No ( 14% )
I already have ( 14% )
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Watch the “Autism in Academia” Live Video Chat!
More and more young adults on the autism spectrum are looking forward to higher education. Login to CollegeWeekLive tomorrow at 4pm EST to watch “Autism in Academia” featuring Lisa Jo Rudy. Learn how to prepare for the college experience, where to find autism-friendly colleges, and how to access special needs services at the school of your choice.
Lisa Jo Rudy is a professional writer and works with museums, community organizations and families to build access, inclusion and opportunities for people affected by autism. Lisa is also the mother of a fifteen-year-old son with autism and will be speaking at CollegeWeekLive’s Diversity Day.
“Autism in Academia” is part of a larger program called Diversity Day. Admissions reps in charge of diversity and multicultural recruitment from 40 universities across the country will chat live with students of all race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability to address the unique opportunities available on their campuses.
Sign-up now. It’s free and easy. CollegeWeekLive will also giving away a $1,000 scholarship!
To get involved with Autism Speaks college program, visit www.autismspeaks.org/U. Autism Speaks U designed for college students who want to host events, start chapters, volunteer and/or become campus ambassadors!
Be Who You Are
This guest post is by Autism Speaks staffer Kerry Magro. Kerry, an adult who has autism, is a graduate student at 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.
Have you ever had that day when someone calls you or one of your loved ones awkward, odd, or weird? I think I’ve been called all of those words every year since I was nine. What do these words even mean now anyways? I think the easiest way of thinking of this in today’s society is someone who is away from the “norm.” That one person who does something that doesn’t seem “right.” Society has set us up with a standard that is set for us to judge without reason.
This standard has hurt people with autism for decades. When I was diagnosed with autism at age 4, I would soon have some tendencies that would be far different than the established norm. I was going to have a hard time with eye contact, some difficulty with my motor skills and also would have a hard time speaking in front of crowds. None of this makes me any less of a person as the next. I don’t want the pity that some grant for having a disorder either. I just want to know that at the end of the day I’ll be allowed to be me with no judgment, no questions asked.
That’s why when I write this blog I encourage everyone reading, to lead by example by taking action. If we let ourselves and our loved ones be who they are proudly, we defy and ignore the criticisms of others and hopefully lead to a better, more aware world; autism and all. As a college graduate with autism, does this mean I may have some difficult times from others ahead? You bet. It sure beats the alternative though of not being who I want and was meant to be, and that someone is me.
*What things have people said about who you are you that make you different from the norm? Feel free to comment below!*
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 Facebook Page here.
College Fashionistas Support Autism Speaks U
The Autism Speaks U Chapter at the University of Michigan’s co-founders (Maressa Criscito & Alex Lewisohn) interviewed collegiate entrepreneurs and twins, Samantha and Morgan Elias. These 21 year old sisters are the brains behind The Vintage Twin. Samantha, a member of Autism Speaks U at the University of Michigan, and Morgan, who attends New York University, recently hosted a trunk show on August 1 in New York City, donating over $550 to Autism Speaks.

Owners of The Vintage Twin with Autism Speaks U Co-Founders at Trunk Show Benefiting Autism Speaks U
The Vintage Twin, which was founded and self-financed in August 2009 with a trunk show in the their mother’s basement, is now a burgeoning brand; the first to use only recycled materials in creating one-of-a-kind original designs. Recreating vintage clothing, home goods, and accessories, TVT is a retail revolution offering people a style that is all their own.
1. Do you have a personal connection to autism? If so, please explain.
Our eldest sister is a speech pathologist and we have each shadowed her in working with children with autism. More close to home, our first cousin has asperger syndrome and we have watched him grow and overcome the hardships of staying in a specialized mainstream school.
2. Why do you feel it is important to host events for Autism Speaks?
Autism affect MILLIONS of people on varying degrees and the numbers only seem to be growing. Awareness must be raised, but more importantly, funds must be raised to better the quality of life for those who live a lifetime with it, rather than many medicinal fundraisers that are focused on fatal diseases.
3. How did you become involved with the Autism Speaks U program?
My best friends (Maressa & Alex) started it at The University of Michigan!
4. What other events have you hosted for Autism Speaks or other charities in the past?
We have previously donated to Project Kids Worldwide.
5. Why is it important for college students to be educated about autism?
Autism is EVERYWHERE and not going anywhere fast. We need to be aware, able to coexist and assist people in assimilating despite their social challenges.
6. What kind of impact can the fashion world have on spreading autism awareness?
As the brand grows and we continue to have events benefiting Autism Speaks U, our fan bases can combine to not only raise money for the cause, but also to spread awareness within the vast world of fashionistas and fundraisers.
7. What advice do you have for other students who are also interested in becoming entrepreneurs?
START. Whether it’s selling out of your closet or opening a store, start now!
8. What are your future plans for your business? Any specific designers/trends or events your fans should keep an eye out for?
Our website is going to be an awesome destination for affordable unique wears for ALL.
9. What was the biggest challenge that you faced during the creation of your business? How did you overcome it?
The website. We raised enough money to afford creating an in-house studio that will fill our website with hundreds of items daily.
10) Would you be interested in hosting other events with Autism Speaks in the future?
DEFINITELY- namely in Ann Arbor and also online. Last month, supporters were able to save 10% on their purchase with 10% of the proceeds going back to Autism Speaks U.
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College students, faculty and alumni can get involved with our college program, Autism Speaks U, by visiting www.AutismSpeaks.org/U. Autism Speaks U works with college students who host awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, while supporting their local autism communities.
Individuals with Autism in College
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.
A big part of our autism movement is surrounded by the numbers. No matter the organization, a standard that seems to be advertised is in regards to the prevalence of autism in today’s society. It seems like any brochure you open these days will tell you that….
- 1 in 110 will be diagnosed with autism.
- 1 in 70 boys will be diagnosed with autism.
- A new case is diagnosed almost every 15 minutes.
Over the past couple of months I have transitioned to focusing more on the numbers for adults with autism. The problem is we still have a great deal to decode. I have looked through countless websites to try to find a standard but it’s been very challenging. I then decided to just focus on one area which was how many individuals with autism go to college/receive a college degree.
Parents often ask me how someone with autism can prepare for college and how many individuals with autism actually attend college. The number I usually tell them is that 1 in 1040 students was the norm of how many individuals on the autism spectrum attended my alma mater, Seton Hall University (5 autistic individuals out of 5200) because that’s all I know. My hope is that the more we learn about these numbers the more we will be able to assess how much funding should be provided for adult support in the schools. We already have estimates for unemployment (autism spectrum disorder ranges anywhere from 75-98% per diagnosis on the spectrum) adults still living at home (about 80%) or adults who will be on the spectrum in the next decade (estimated around 500,000).
Do you think numbers for “Autism in College” should be addressed more? What are your thoughts on the steps needed to see this become a reality?
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.
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.
10 Things I Have Learned About 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.
Quite recently I took the liberty of making a list of some of the things I have learned about autism through reflection. I then narrowed it down to 10 of my quotes that I feel best express my understanding of the subject. They are as follows:
- Autism can’t define me, only I can define autism.
- Give advice to others in the autistic community through your own experiences.
- If someone calls you “awkward,” just know that it means you’re “unique” and a lot better than “ordinary”.
- I’m great at several things and broken in none.
- Ignorance is all around us but awareness is around the corner if we want it to be.
- Feeling sorry for myself will get me nowhere.
- We need to stop labeling and instead integrate, “people with people” in our communities who have different needs.
- Inclusion in schools will never mean I’m secluded from an education.
- Autism is not a disease, rather a disability that every day I strive to become an A-bility.
- Communication never takes a vacation.
As someone diagnosed with Autism at a very early age, I know the, “conversation” doesn’t end here. What are your thoughts on this list? Feel free to comment below!
Completing the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle for Autism Speaks!
This blog post was written by Kathy Reilly for her daughter Kaitlin, who is a junior at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, New Jersey.
On April 15, 2011, Kaitlin Reilly launched her “Every Piece Counts” project in which she is completing the “World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle” (24,000 pieces and 70 sq. ft.), entitled “LIFE” to raise $24,000 for Autism Speaks. Kaitlin holds the titles of “Youngest in the World to Complete Solo”, “The Youngest in the World Solo after Mixing All the Puzzle Pieces Prior to Assembling” and “First to Complete in New Jersey, USA”
Since the launch, Kaitlin and her project have been featured in numerous newspapers across the county and have raised over $3,000 for Autism Speaks. To read about the project and to see the progress of the puzzle, visit www.everypiececounts.com. Kaitlin has set-up a camera that takes a photograph of her working on the puzzle every minute and at the end there will be a short video of her completing the entire 24,000 piece puzzle. Check out the “teaser’ video below!
In addition to working hard on the puzzle, Kaitlin is actively getting the community involved. She organized a “Dress Down Day” at a local school where the teachers and staffed donated $5.00 to wear casual clothing for a day. Kaitlin is also teaming up with Moe’s Southwest Grill in Mahwah, NJ, to host a dine-in night and benefit concert. Some of NJ’s local bands and high school rockers will be playing on Saturday, June 12th from 5 – 9 p.m. Moe’s will be donating 10% of the proceeds from the entire day to Autism Speaks, directly benefiting Kaitlin’s project. If you are in the area, please be sure to stop by!
Kaitlin would love your support of her project, by making a donation and sharing it with family and friends. Feel free to “LIKE” the project on Facebook, since she’s trying to get 24,000 people to “LIKE” the page. She also needs a good home for the puzzle when it is completed, so please email her if you have any ideas/suggestions at evrypiececounts@gmail.com.
Please help Kaitlin’s efforts by reaching her goal of $24,000 and donate at http://bit.ly/jz0DQw.
If you’re a high school or college student that would like to get involved with our organization, visit the Autism Speaks U website for information.







