COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M men's basketball program will partner with Autism Speaks and local Bryan-College Station autism advocacy organizations during Saturday's contest against South Carolina 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 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 and Gamecock 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 a loved one on the spectrum can share the experience during a watch-party set in a quieter setting which will be held in the lobby of the Cox-McFerrin Center (located on the west concourse of Reed Arena).
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This year, Aggie Basketball is encouraging fans to get involved in the local Bryan-College Station community. Visit www.facetsbcs.org (Families of Autistic Children Engaged Together for Support) to find out what resources are available locally for families of individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Additionally, another way to show your support and get involved is with Leaps for Autism, which will be holding its fifth-annual Leaps for Autism Walk on April 14. To find out more, visit www.leapsforautism.com.
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On campus, Texas A&M students who would also like to get involved are encouraged to check out the organization Aggies on the Spectrum by visiting www.aggiesonthespectrumtamu.weebly.com.
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ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
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For more information visit - www.autismspeaks.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."
Â
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 classroom and thriving in his environment. Being aware of the signs and acting immediately on our concerns was paramount to his development."
Â
Fans will notice on Saturday Aggie and Gamecock 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 a loved one on the spectrum can share the experience during a watch-party set in a quieter setting which will be held in the lobby of the Cox-McFerrin Center (located on the west concourse of Reed Arena).
Â
This year, Aggie Basketball is encouraging fans to get involved in the local Bryan-College Station community. Visit www.facetsbcs.org (Families of Autistic Children Engaged Together for Support) to find out what resources are available locally for families of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Â
Additionally, another way to show your support and get involved is with Leaps for Autism, which will be holding its fifth-annual Leaps for Autism Walk on April 14. To find out more, visit www.leapsforautism.com.
Â
On campus, Texas A&M students who would also like to get involved are encouraged to check out the organization Aggies on the Spectrum by visiting www.aggiesonthespectrumtamu.weebly.com.
Â
--
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
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For more information visit - www.autismspeaks.org