Autism Awareness Month will be observed in April by California State University, Fresno with an awareness carnival, a golf tournament, Strike Out Autism Night at a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game and an appearance by Dr. Temple Grandin.

Three of the events are presented by the Central California Autism Center at Fresno State:

  • The third annual Autism Awareness Field Day, noon-5 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, on the lawn east of the Music Building (Maple and Keats avenues), offering a bounce house and slide, simulated sumo wrestling, bubble fun and balloon animals, face painting, arts and crafts. The event is free and open to the public, with parking available in Lot C.
  • On April 9, a golf tournament benefiting the Central California Autism Center tees off at the Riverbend Golf Club (43369 Avenue 12 in Madera). The registration deadline is, Wednesday March 31. Contact Jeanne Lee at 559.278.6773 or abaatcsuf@hotmail.com.
  • The center‘s Strike Out Autism Night at the Grizzlies game will be April 23 with an on-field parade and fun zone activities. Local agencies, community organizations and resources will provide information about autism efforts. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Central California Autism Center. The last day to purchase tickets is April 12.

The Autism Center, opened in 2007, offers treatment and research centered upon principle-based behavior therapy. The center works one-on-one with children 18 months to 6 years old who have been diagnosed with autism or a related disability. After-school supplementary programs are available for children over 6. Treatment consists of ongoing assessment, individualized curriculum and parent training and involvement. All therapy occurs at the center.

Dr. Amanda Adams, a board-certified behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience in autism work, is the center’s director. For more information, call 559.278.6773.

Grandin, who is autistic, will speak at 9 a.m. April 12 at the Satellite Student Union and sign her books in an event sponsored by the Fresno State Poultry Society and Young Cattlemen’s Association in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and has spoken around the world about autism and about cattle handling innovations. HBO produced, “Temple Grandin,” a full-length film of her life.

Admission is free for Fresno State students and faculty and $10 for general public. For more information, contact Michelle Ganci at 559.307.2563 or michelleganci@comcast.net.

(Copy by University Communications News Intern Amanda Fine.)