Autism is a very misunderstood diagnosis. I myself did not know much about it until I joined Alpha Xi Delta. Our philanthropy is Autism Speaks, which is an organization that raises money to bring awareness into communities about autism and funding research so we can better understand what it is.

This made me want to learn more about autism, as well as share what I learned with others.

Autism comes in a large spectrum.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms used to describe an individual with autism. That individual can vary in many ways with how they interpret verbal and nonverbal communication, communication and repetitive behaviors.

The "R" word is very offensive.

I don't really know how using the word "retarded" suddenly became so popular and seen as socially acceptable, but it is not. Spread the word to end the word, because it is offensive and isn't even used as a legal term anymore.

Autism is more common than you think.

One in 68 American children fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, so you more than likely know at least one person who has autism.

Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.

This has been a very controversial topic lately, but the evidence is clear. Extensive research has been done over the past two decades to test this theory; it has been ruled out. There are many other things scientists have linked to the cause of autism, but no one specific cause can be identified.

Every person with autism is a unique case.

In order for doctors and scientists to understand an individual's case, they have to look at their entire genome sequence - simply put, look at their entire DNA makeup.

People with autism are just like you and me.

We all want to learn, make friends, go to school, get a job, listen to music - people with autism are no different. They have goals like we do, they just have more trouble communicating these ideas.

It is very important for everyone to better understand not only autism, but other unique qualities that the human population possesses. Many people who have autism or know someone with autism simply wish for a world that better understands and accepts it.

For more information you can visit https://www.autismspeaks.org or http://www.autism-society.org