Autism affects each person differently, and what you see is often just a piece of the full picture. Behind each face is a story of challenges, abilities, and strengths. These stories are at the heart of Autism Speaks' new global campaign, Get the Full Picture, which will launch on April 2. Together, these stories – along with photos, videos, events and a striking new public service campaign – create a fuller picture of the many things autism is.
*Get the Full Picture: *Story Mosaic – See a first-of-its-kind collection of experiences shared by thousands of children, teens, adults and families affected by autism. Their stories cover the life span, from early diagnosis, to education, employment, relationships and more. Together, these words, photos and videos form a full picture of what autism is.
- Share your story at autismmosaic.org* ***(Available now)
- View video profiles of six people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, at autismmosaic.org. (Goes live on April 2)
- Share a new public service campaign featuring those six children and adults. The PSAs were created pro bono by the creative agency JWalk, whose talented team donated their time and resources to bring this campaign to life. Print, TV and radio PSAs begin appearing on April 2.
Autism Speaks Quiz:
- Take a new quiz, share your results on social media, then invite your friends to do the same. You'll help to spread greater understanding and acceptance of people with autism. AutismSpeaks.org/WAM
*Light It Up Blue: *At dusk on April 2, buildings in Northeast Ohio will join iconic landmarks, businesses, schools and homes in more than 150 countries that will be lit in blue to show support for the 70 million people worldwide affected by autism spectrum disorder. Close to home, buildings include:
- FirstEnergy Stadium, April 2nd
- Great Lakes Science Center, April 2nd
- Cleveland City Hall, April 2nd
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, April 2nd
- Terminal Tower, April 5th
Notable landmarks worldwide include Niagara Falls, Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building, Edinburgh Castle and Burj Khalifa — the tallest building in the world.
How to Light It Up Blue: *To register a home, school or business that will participate, go to www.autismspeaks.org/LIUB. Download logos, banners and posters. Find creative ideas for spreading the word on social media or hosting a fundraising event *your way.
*Autism-friendly events: *From sensory-friendly aquariums, to movie screenings, museums, performances and zoos, you can find them all in our national Calendar of Autism-Friendly Events and Activities.
- To search by ZIP Code, go to AutismSpeaks.org
ABOUT AUTISMAutism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKSAutism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this 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. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org
The Browns are dedicated to #give10 through the team's First and Ten initiative. Launched in June 2014, the Cleveland Browns First and Ten campaign is the team's community program, established to inspire fans to volunteer in and help their communities throughout the world by volunteering for 10 hours each year. Through First and Ten, the Browns are the only NFL club to promote a long-term volunteering program that unifies the team and its entire fan base, with the goal of impacting every individual's city across the globe, as well as the franchise's local community. All Browns fans are encouraged to join the volunteering effort by signing the First and Ten pledge on the team's website and by sharing their stories with #give10.
Take the official Browns First and Ten pledge here (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/community/firstandten.html)
Share your stories @BrownsGiveBack #give10 *
