COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M men's basketball program will partner with Autism Speaks during Saturday's contest against Auburn to spread awareness and support for families in our community and across the country dealing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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"Autism affects many lives and many families, including our own basketball family," Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy said. "We want to show our support as well as do our part to make people aware and promote research that enhances the lives of families who live with autism."
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The cause of ASD awareness is one that is close to the Aggie basketball family as sports performance coach Darby Rich has seen first-hand the impact of autism.
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"We were fortunate," shares Rich. "Our oldest son, Case, was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two. Through a combination of love and therapy, he is now in a mainstream kindergarten classroom and thriving in his environment. Being aware of the signs and acting immediately on our concerns was paramount to his development."
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Fans will notice on Saturday Aggie players wearing Autism Speaks shooting shirts during pregame warm-ups and on the bench as well as coaches and staff wearing special lapel pins. Additionally, families who attend the game with loved one on the spectrum can share the experience during a watch-party set in a sensory-friendly environment which will be held in the lobby of the Cox-McFerrin Center (located on the west concourse of Reed Arena).
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To join Aggie Basketball in supporting Autism Speaks' mission of enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow - CLICK HERE.
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Today, Autism Speaks is dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both through direct funding and collaboration; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders; and working toward solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and lifespan through advocacy and support.
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For more information or to get involved with Autism Speaks visit AustimSpeaks.org
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"Autism affects many lives and many families, including our own basketball family," Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy said. "We want to show our support as well as do our part to make people aware and promote research that enhances the lives of families who live with autism."
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The cause of ASD awareness is one that is close to the Aggie basketball family as sports performance coach Darby Rich has seen first-hand the impact of autism.
Â
"We were fortunate," shares Rich. "Our oldest son, Case, was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two. Through a combination of love and therapy, he is now in a mainstream kindergarten classroom and thriving in his environment. Being aware of the signs and acting immediately on our concerns was paramount to his development."
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Fans will notice on Saturday Aggie players wearing Autism Speaks shooting shirts during pregame warm-ups and on the bench as well as coaches and staff wearing special lapel pins. Additionally, families who attend the game with loved one on the spectrum can share the experience during a watch-party set in a sensory-friendly environment which will be held in the lobby of the Cox-McFerrin Center (located on the west concourse of Reed Arena).
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To join Aggie Basketball in supporting Autism Speaks' mission of enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow - CLICK HERE.
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ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Recognizing the need for a powerful voice Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Building upon the legacy of three leading autism organizations, Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE), the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), who merged with the organization, Autism Speaks has made extraordinary advancements in the autism community. Chief among these are increased global awareness of autism, better understanding of the breadth of the autism spectrum, and advocacy to increase research and access to care and support.Â
Today, Autism Speaks is dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both through direct funding and collaboration; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders; and working toward solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and lifespan through advocacy and support.
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For more information or to get involved with Autism Speaks visit AustimSpeaks.org