Tag Archives: autism

Next month, the month of April, is designated as National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a developmental disability that usually makes itself known within the first three years of a child's life. According to the Autism Society:

"Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today."

Autism is a complex disorder and even with years of testing and research no single known cause has been determined. However, is is widely accepted that that it is caused by abnormalities in brain function or structure. While there are a number of theories about what causes autism such as genetics, heredity and medical issues, there is no definitive answer. As noted on the Autism Society website; while no one has actually discovered and "autism gene" there does appear to be a notable pattern in some families of autism and/or related disorders. It also appears that some children may be predisposed to developing autism. However, there is nothing that has been found that could be an actual cause or trigger.

So why the puzzle piece?  As I mentioned, while researchers have found patterns and have long suspected certain environmental factors, there is a piece of a puzzle that is missing and that piece - when discovered - could mean a cure, which is why April is designated as National Autism Awareness Month. The more awareness that can be raised means more money for research, education, and support for families affected by autism.

While fundraising does occur throughout the year, during National Autism Awareness month there are even more fundraisers, events and news stories that bring attention and shine a big bright spotlight on this disorder.

So start now, spread the word early and let everyone know that April is National Autism Awareness Month!!!

For more information about Autism you can visit:

Autism Society ~ www.autism_society.org

Autism Speaks ~ www.autismspeaks.org

Autism Research Institute ~ www.autism.com

Alpha XI Delta ~ AΞΔ

Open Motto: “The quill  is mightier than the sword.”
Mascot: Betxi Bear
Symbol: Quill
Colors: Double Blue and Gold
Flower: Pink Killarney Rose

 Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity was founded April 17th, 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. Ten young women at the college were seeking close friendships and wanted to form a national organization which would be dedicated to the personal growth of women. The original founders were Cora Bollinger Block, Alice Bartlett Bruner, Bertha Cook Evans, Harriett Luella McCollum, Lucy W. Gilmer, Lewie Strong Taylor, Almira Lowry Cheney, Francis Elizabeth Cheney, Eliza Drake Curtis Everton and Julia Maude Foster. Alpha Xi Delta is one of the oldest women's fraternities and was one of the 10 founding members of the National Panhellenic Conference.

Alpha Xi members are called to enrich the lives of women through sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. There are currently 113 chapters with over 150,000 members nationwide. They support each other through shared experience and understanding. According to the Alpha Xi Delta official website, their mission is as follows:

• Nurture unity and cooperation.
• Foster intellectual, professional, and personal growth.
• Exemplify the highest ethical conduct.
• Instill community responsibility.
• Perpetuate fraternal growth.

The Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity let each chapter decide on what  groups or community activities they wanted to help with but on April 2,2009 they chose their official national philanthropy Autism Speaks. As their website states they have raised over 400,000 for this cause. 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year and Autism Speaks helps raised the funds needed for research and education. It also brings awareness and helps advocate for individuals with autism and their families.

At one time or another, most people have either worn - or at least seen - an awareness ribbon; they have been around for many years. In the 1970’s the yellow ribbon surfaced, to show support for the safe return of soldiers, in the 1990’s the red ribbon began being used, to bring awareness for those affected by the AIDS epidemic, shortly after that we saw the pink ribbon worn in support of breast cancer – and today, we see awareness ribbons in all the colors of the rainbow and each one can represent several causes.   

So what is an awareness ribbon and why do people choose to wear them? Well, the first reason is in the name itself – to raise awareness about a cause; which in turn can help raise funds to aid in supporting the cause. Merchandise like pins, magnets, key chains, bracelets, shirts, hats, etc. which have the ribbon of choice on it, are sold and most often a large percent if not all the funds raised, go to help the cause.

Many people all have countless reasons for wearing an awareness ribbon, but they all boil down to the same reasons – they are a symbol which unite the supporters of the cause, they open the door to conversations about the cause, and last – and most importantly – they are a reminder that life, is so very precious and that every person matters.

At Charming Chick we are proud to offer many awareness ribbon items that can be worn to show support and bring awareness to whichever cause (or causes) are near and dear to your heart. We have charms, hats, shirts, pins and much, much more.

 If you would like a full list of ribbons colors and the causes they represent Click Here. If you know of a cause that we do not have listed, please let us know, and we will be happy to include it.

On September 27th, radio personalities Lex and Terry, 97.1 The Eagle, and Dallas Harley-Davidson are hosting Ticket to Ride in Dallas, TX. This is the first Ticket to Ride in Dallas. Proceeds benefit the Autism Society of America.

The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Dallas Harley-Davidson, 1334 W. Centerville Road, Garland, TX. The event will also include a lunch, an auction, and an after party at Strokers Dallas, from 5 p.m. to closing.

This is a great way to raise funds and awareness for Autism.  If you'd like to find out more visit http://www.lexandterrytickettoride.org/

You can also read more on the Autism Society of America's website.

One of the charitable organizations that we donate to here at Charming Chick is the Autism Society of America.  Recently, they have launched an art exhibit of art created by individuals on the Autism spectrum.

It was such a neat experience to check it out, so I thought I would pass this information along.  You can view the art exhibit by clicking here.

The Autism Society of America supports research that will help families living with Autism.  You can read more about their research, programs, and information about Autism on their website here.

Check out some of our newest Autism Awareness jewelry by clicking the pictures below: