Turn It Up for Autism

           It was a music-filled night over at Old Number 2 Cafe and Grill this Friday, February 25, 2011. The event that inspired all this music was "Turn it Up for Autism" hosted by the Autism Intervention Center at Texas A&M International University. Janet Sanchez-Enriquez played the role of hostess that evening and inspired so many people to give to the Center. The event was filled with laughter, drinks, donations, and music.

            Autism, according to Autism Speaks, "is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)."Autism as a general term reflects that there is not only one form of Autism. There is a full spectrum that goes with the disorder. While the cause is still a mystery, we must be aware of its existence. This is something that confuses and frustrates the parents of children with Autism. However, we can take solace in the fact that the Autism Intervention Center at TAMIU is trying to help. This event was carried out to gain donations for the center so that they can get more funds in order to better help the community. The "Turn it Up for Autism" event consisted of three band performing throughout the night and many donations stations were placed in various locations at the event site. The event took place at Old Number 2 Cafe and Grill, located at 313 West Village Boulevard. Despite Old Number 2's size it was not hard to find a place to jam at first. However, later in the evening the place got packed with so many people wanting to take part in this event. Not only were supporters for the center there, but the Laredo community reached out and joined to help increase awareness and funds for the Autism Intervention Center.

            The bands that performed that evening were Wild Root, Teardown, and the Palacios Brothers. Each of the bands brought their own charisma, set, and sound to the event and each of them urged everyone there to donate. Each band got to play for an hour and d brought in more and more donations. The first band Wild Root urged everyone, almost after every song they played, to donate to the Autism Intervention Center. Their infectious melodies got people's hearts pounding and their hands pulling out money to donate.

            So many families are affected by Autism and need support and help to keep moving forward. The Autism Intervention Center is a place that needs the help and support of the community to keep moving forward, in order to help families do the same. The event itself raised some funds; however they are still in need of more. Autism affects 1 in 110 children in the United States and 1 in 70 are boys. The Autism Intervention Center asked for the support of the community and it looks like the community reached out and answered their call.