Advocates for Autism to host Fall Fest

On Friday from 4-8 p.m., Advocates for Autism, a campus organization dedicated to spreading awareness and educating students about autism and individuals on the spectrum, will be celebrating the arrival of autumn with a number of activities at the Humanities Amphitheater on Volunteer Blvd.

Advocates for Autism was founded last year by the current co-presidents Brianna Mason and Terrell Broady Jr. Both are graduate students pursuing their MBAs.

Their mission statement reads:

“Advocates For Autism aims to raise awareness and educate the campus about autism and individuals on the spectrum. We provide an inclusive environment for students on the spectrum and serve as allies. Advocates For Autism raises funds to provide local students, families, and adults with resources, support, and education.”

From 4-6 p.m., the local Friendly Farm will be provide a petting farm, which will include goats, pigs, sheep and ducks among other animals.

Ron Schneider will lead the attendants in square dancing starting at 5 p.m.

There will be pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, a bake sale themed around fall, apple cider and s’mores throughout the event.

All proceeds from the bake sale, s’mores and any food sold for the animals will go towards their community partner, Autism Site Knoxville, and other fundraising events.

Co-president Mason said this event is going to be a fun way to celebrate the fall season and learn more about autism.

“We hope to have families and individuals with autism at the event to interact with one another and participate in fun activities,” she said. “We also hope to raise awareness about autism because with 1 in 68 children born this year expected to receive a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, the population is growing. It is growing more and more common that you will in someway be affected by autism. It is our job to make people aware and educate.”

For more information about becoming a member of Advocates for Autism, email Mason at bmason10@vols.utk.edu.

For more information on AFA events by liking their Facebook page.

Edited by Vanessa Rodriguez

Featured Image by Randall Billings, courtesy of Creative Commons