Streetball For Autism made a splash last week for a great cause.
Over 100 Kean students flocked to the courts April 23 to help raise awareness for a disorder that affects 1 in 68 children in the United States alone.
Hosted by P.U.L.S.E, teams hit the outdoor courts in an event that also featured refreshments and a live DJ.
Jessica Yedell, a representative from P.U.L.S.E, offered some insight on Autism before the event kicked off.
"Autism is the fastest growing childhood disease, but the most underfunded," Yedell stated. "1 in 68 children have autism. We need to raise more awareness for those that suffer with [autism], and basketball is a great way to bring people together."
The two teams participating featured Kean students vowing to help bring this disorder more to light.
Autism, which affects boys five times higher than it does girls, is a chronic disorder that impacts the nervous system.
Typical symptoms include difficulty with communication, social awkwardness, obsessive interests, and often repetitive behavioral patterns.
About 40 percent of children with autism do not speak.
Early recognition, as well as various forms of therapy such as familial, educational, or behavioral therapies may help reduce symptoms and aid both development and encourage learning.
The event featured fast-paced hoops over four quarters, with the DJ bumping music throughout.
Although the shooting was slightly off due to the windy conditions, players did their best to showcase their skills at basketball, with even a couple of students punching some dunks on fast break opportunities.
Nonetheless, the game was highly successful, with the bringing together of people and raising awareness for autism through the power of basketball proving to be a winning formula.
Those that both attended and participated left the event more educated and informed on this disorder that affects millions.
Events like these bring those with autism, their families, and anybody else involved with the disorder one step closer to finding the cure.
