The Alpha Xi Delta sorority at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), celebrated World Autism Day on Sunday and will be spreading awareness for Autism throughout the month.

According to the Autism Society website, Autism is a disability where a person has difficulty in communicating. The website also states that some symptoms of autism are but not limited to: lack of make believe play, little to no eye contact, and lack of peer relationships.

Monica Negrete (junior, Sociology) is apart of Alpha Xi Delta and is aware of the severity of the mental disorder it has on individuals, especially children.

“One in 68 kids can develop autism, while one in 42 boys can develop the mental disorder,” Negrete stated on the frequency of the mental disorder occurring.

Emily Gianelli (senior, Liberal Studies) notes some of the misconceptions people have of autism.

“People think that an autistic person cannot function properly, however most autistic people just need help in some aspect,” Gianelli said. “I teach a student that is autistic who is independently minded but needs help in some aspects.”  

Jordan Alvarado (sophomore, Biology) believes that people are not aware of the intricate parts of the mental disorder.

“People know of autism but not the complexity of it,” Alvarado said. “I also feel people are not sensitive to the ableist words of autism.”

To spread awareness, Alpha Xi Delta will be accepting donations of five dollars for blue light bulbs, and a dollar for blue glow sticks and autism pens and bracelets.

The sorority will be also hosting events throughout the month of April to raise awareness for the disability.

• April 12: the sorority will have a “Light It Up Blue Selfie Challenge”.
• April 19: food fundraisers at the Pizza Factory.
• April 26: food fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Students who may want to know more about Alpha Xi Delta’s events about autism awareness can visit their Instagram page.