Fresno State will observe National Autism Awareness Month with several events including the “Strike Out Autism” fundraiser and parade, 6 p.m. April 5 at Chukchansi Park during a Fresno Grizzlies game. In its sixth annual year, this event benefits the Central California Autism Center.

The Grizzlies will donate half the proceeds from every $10 and $40 ticket that was sold through April 1 to support the center.

Opened in 2007, Fresno State’s Central California Autism Center is a non-profit treatment and research center that provides principle-based behavior therapy for children 18 months to 14 years of age diagnosed with autism or a related condition.

One of the center’s participants  will throw the first pitch during the Grizzlies game. Fans are invited to join in the pre-game parade at 6 p.m. (arrive by 5:45 p.m., Gate 3). The game begins at 7:05 p.m. at Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St. and Broadway in downtown Fresno.

“We encourage everyone to attend this event and spread awareness for Autism,” said Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams, director of the Central California Autism Center.

Fresno State’s observance of National Autism Awareness month also includes a “Blue Party” on World Autism Awareness Day,  2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. The event is for the Central California Autism Center’s staff and participants.  The center is located on the atrium level of the Kremen School of Education Building (Maple Avenue north of Shaw). Visitors are encouraged to wear blue to the event.

On Wednesday, April 3, Rep. Devin Nunes [R-CA22] is scheduled to tour the center from 2-4 p.m.

Other events include Autism Awareness Story Time at the Woodward Park Library 11 a.m. to  2 p.m. Saturday, April 8; a panel “Perspectives of Autism,” 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18; and the Fresno State Walk for Autism & Carnival in the Park, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 28 at O’Neill Park on campus (Barstow and Woodrow Aves).

For more information, contact student outreach team members Ali Germino, Katie Turner or Heather Waldron, who serve as clinical supervisors at the center, at 559.278.6773.

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