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Community Corner

Autism Family Night

Autism Family Night is a
night in which families affected by autism are able to come together and enjoy
a dinner at a local T.G.I. Friday’s without feeling stigmatized or embarrassed.
  It was created in 2007 by Alexandra Abend, a 2012 Duke University
graduate.  The inspiration for this event comes from experiences involving
Alexandra's autistic brother. Eating out was difficult due to his unpredictable
behavior and a lack of understanding from other diners. Because of this, Alex
was inspired to create a stigma-free dining environment so that families
affected with autism could enjoy a dinner out.  Because the restaurant is
open to the general public, this event also helps to raise awareness among
those not affected by autism.





This coming year, Autism
Family Night will be held on Tuesday, April 29.  It will be the 8th annual
event and is the fourth year that Alex’s sorority, the Beta Rho chapter of
Kappa Alpha Theta at Duke University, has taken over the event.  With the
help of many T.G.I. Friday’s, this event is rapidly growing.  In its first
year, Autism Family Night was only held in New Jersey, but with the success of
the event, it has expanded to sections of Connecticut, North Carolina, New
York, Virginia, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Now, T.G.I.
Friday’s is known as a “safe place” to eat amongst families affected with
autism.  Autism Family Night has also inspired others across the country
to create similar events, increasing awareness and acceptance of families
affected by autism. Please go to our facebook page Autism Family Night for more
information about the T.G.I. Fridays in your area.



 

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