Autism is a disorder that unfortunately affects at least a million Americans. With a 10- to 17-percent annual growth rate, it is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America.
In light of autism’s prevalence and seriousness, we commend student initiatives intended to help people with the disorder. Last fall, students started Penn Speaks for Autism, a group committed to increasing autism awareness and helping local children with the disorder. While the group is relatively new, it is already working toward its goals in important ways.
Penn Speaks for Autism has already held a few autism-awareness events, including one over the weekend that involved a performance from Excelano Project and a speaker who created dolls for the siblings of autistic children.
The new student group also has concrete plans to help local autistic children. Penn Speaks for Autism is helping with an event for autistic children at the Philadelphia Zoo in April, and the group is organizing a program where students volunteer in autism-support classes at West Philadelphia schools. The latter effort is particularly important because in Philadelphia, there are not enough resources for autistic children. Those in the public-school system are often grouped in classes with other special-needs students, said College junior and Penn Speaks for Autism Co-President Michelle Fang.
People with autism need all the support they can get, and volunteer efforts by Penn students can make a difference. We hope the group continues to advance its efforts and more students get involved in its cause.
