Autism speaks U club advocates for people on the spectrum

Unknown to many students at Liberty, April is autism awareness month. For this reason, Jonathan Falwell did a shoutout for Liberty’s Autism Speaks U club at the April 5 Convocation. The club connects students on the spectrum with others around campus to help provide community and opportunities for fellowship, student leadership and self-advocacy. Autism Speaks meets twice a month and hosts holiday, celebratory and advocacy events. 

“We have had panels and other informative meetings to spread awareness and advocacy to not only Liberty University but the surrounding community,” Brianna Parker, a member of the club, said.

A typical meeting opens in prayer, and then the leaders are introduced. The club picks a topic to talk about each meeting and emphasizes communication between students with autism and their reactions to different topics. 

Abby Snow, a sophomore studying developmental psychology, joined the club after her freshman year. She enjoyed the St. Patrick’s Day party in the IDE lounge where club members played charades and games that brought each other closer. 

“As someone on the autism spectrum, campus life can be complicated and frustrating sometimes,” Snow said. “When I found the Autism Speaks U Club, there was a lot of weight lifted off of my back. I will forever be thankful for that opportunity.”

Hannah Cook is the event coordinator and treasurer of the club. Cook’s younger sibling has mid-functioning autism, so when she came to Liberty, she knew that she wanted to get involved in something that was going to impact people in a positive light. 

“I wanted to be a part of something to change Liberty University for the better,” Cook said.

Cook will always remember the game nights as well as the deep conversations the group has together on Saturdays. The group dedicates time to talking about the realities of being on the spectrum. 

Creating community is crucial to the club as “being on the Autism Spectrum causes people to sometimes feel on the outside socially,” Cook said. 

“It is called a spectrum for a reason. We are all different people who bond over the same disability,” Snow said.

Liberty’s club is currently going through the process of changing the club’s name. The name change comes after controversy with Autism Speaks Inc., one of the largest nonprofit organizations that claim to support the autistic community. According to the Liberty club, Autism Speaks supports many ideas and beliefs that they do not agree with. 

“The goal of our meetings is to invite everyone to share their experiences and get a better understanding of each other,” Parker said. “We want everyone to feel welcomed and supported in our club. We believe we can best do that by breaking ties with (the nonprofit organization) Autism Speaks.”  

“I have many opinions on (the nonprofit) Autism Speaks, but I hope in future years, we will be recognized for who we really are and what we stand for,” Cook said. “We want to show the love of Christ, show that having autism is something not to be ashamed of or to fix.”

The club wants to be known for their love of Christ and acceptance of all students with autism. For more information, visit the club’s Instagram page @autismspeaksuliberty.edu.

Lunt is the digital media producer for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter