Alpha Xi Delta to Honor World Autism Month

Indianapolis, IN – Representatives from Alpha Xi Delta joined Autism Speaks on Monday, April 2, in New York City to observe World Autism Awareness Day and kick off World Autism Month. This marks the ninth anniversary of Alpha Xi Delta’s partnership with Autism Speaks.

On Monday, April 2, Fraternity representatives helped to shine a light on autism spectrum disorder by attending the Today Show with members of Alpha Xi Delta’s Delta Zeta Chapter at Long Island University- C.W. Post, Epsilon Lambda Chapter at Rider University and the Iota Omega Chapter at The College of New Jersey. They celebrated World Autism Awareness Day and promote Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign.

Every year on World Autism Awareness Day, communities and iconic international landmarks across the world light up in blue to promote understanding and acceptance of autism. Alpha Xi Deltas host autism-friendly events, educational activities, light up campus landmarks and their homes in blue and wear blue during World Autism Awareness Day to increase understanding and acceptance of autism.

“Having the opportunity to share our support for Autism Speaks and to observe World Autism Awareness Day in New York is such an honor for Alpha Xi Delta,” said Elysia Gallivan, Alpha Xi Delta’s National Executive Director. “As we celebrate our ninth anniversary of our partnership, our Sisters are committed, now more than ever, to supporting the vision and mission of Autism Speaks. We are so proud to have raised over $7,500,000 for Autism Speaks and look forward to continuing this strong partnership to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorder.”

In addition to the activities in New York, Alpha Xi Delta members across the country will observe World Autism Month throughout April by wearing blue, participating in local Light It Up Blue campaigns, participating in Autism Speaks Walk events and hosting AmaXIng Challenges, Alpha Xi Delta’s signature fundraising event, in their local communities and on their college campuses. Alpha Xi Delta is also proud to share our autism story and encourage others affected by autism to do the same at www.autismis.org.

Anyone interested in supporting Autism Speaks on World Autism Awareness Day or throughout April for World Autism Month is encouraged to visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn more about the Light It Up Blue campaign, #AutismIs and other autism understanding and acceptance initiatives.

About Alpha Xi Delta Since 2009, Alpha Xi Deltas have raised more than $7,000,000 for Autism Speaks. Our college chapters promote understanding and acceptance and raise funds by hosting AmaXIng Challenge events at our host institutions, and members from coast to coast participate in Autism Speaks Walk events across the country.

Founded in 1893 at Lombard College, now Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta inspires women to realize their potential by providing opportunities for Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. The national women’s fraternity has more than 175,000 initiated members and chapters on 130 college campuses. For more information on Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, visit www.alphaxidelta.org.

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. Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.