LEAD’s Autism Awareness Walk ‘empowers’ students, faculty, and staff amid Autism Awareness Month
posted by DorMiya Vance | April 19, 2022 | In Arts and Culture, NewsOn Tuesday, April 12, the Fayetteville State University’s LEAD program members organized an Autism Awareness Walk event to highlight Autism Awareness Day.
LEAD is a female mentorship organization that encourages sisterhood and campus camaraderie.
Tuesday’s awareness walk was one for the books. Broncos gathered together in the Free Speech Zone right outside the student center to stand together and educate others on autism and how it affects others.
According to autismspeaks.org, “Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (A.S.D.), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.”
Senior biology major Deandra Simpson, who participated in the awareness walk as a member of LEAD, encouraged members of the campus community to learn more about autism.
“We’re trying to bring awareness of autism to the campus,” she said, “we want to get people involved and thinking about others with autism and representation.”
Before the parade of Broncos around campus, Chrishonda Ham spoke to the students about her experience with family members dealing with autism and why the walk was so important.
“I’m walking for my nephew, Christopher,” she said, “I observe Autism Awareness Month every year, and I hope that by walking and donating my time that one day there’s funding out there for him, other students, and their families.”
The walk began at the Rudolph Jones Student Center, where students designed blue flags dedicated to friends or family members diagnosed with autism.
The parade of participating Broncos continued down W.T. Brown Road, chanting and waving blue flags high in the air.
Commuter student organization AUTOS President Brenden Warren participated in the walk with the hopes of being an inspiration in the campus community.
“I expect this walk to empower people,” he said. “I, myself, have A.D.H.D., and I am on the autism spectrum, so [this walk] just gives me such an empowering feeling.”
The walk continued down Murchison Road, where passing cars honked in awareness while participants continued to walk towards Edgecombe Avenue.
As the crowd neared Langdon Street, chants were echoed throughout campus. “Bronco Pride” was heard and felt as the walk concluded back at the Free Speech Zone in front of the student center.
“Overall, it was amazing, I’m glad that LEAD brought this to campus,” FSU senior and participant Ethan Wright said. “Everybody was giving high energy, and everybody was ready to participate in the walk. [The walk] definitely was a little lengthy but, of course, it was for a good cause, and I was glad to see so many people sharing their experiences with loved ones dealing with autism.”
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