Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits communication and social skills, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. It is estimated that 1 in 110 children have autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Alpha Xi Delta is working to help children with autism by volunteering at a local high school, raising awareness, and fundraising to support research to improve lives and find more pieces of the autism puzzle.

1. Alpha Xi Delta

2. Helping Put the Pieces Together

3. Autism: What is it? Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

4. How Common is Autism? It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

5. With these statistics that means at least five girls in Alpha Xi Delta will be effected by autism in her lifetime.

6. What AZD is doing to help!! Working with Autistic kids at Huntington High Raising Awareness Fundraising

7. "With 1 in 150 children diagnosed with autism and no known cure, Alpha Xi Delta is committed to improving the lives of children and families affected by autism. We hope our fundraising and awareness efforts can help put one more piece of the autism puzzle in place."