Mayor Mark Freda praised the strong community turnout and expressed his excitement for future events aimed at building connections and enhancing autism awareness. While completing the ceremonial eye-dotting ceremony to initiate the lion dance, he expressed deep appreciation for the community’s diversity. This experience, he noted, taught him something new and valuable that he had never encountered before. Kathy, a parent of a child with autism, commended the mayor’s engagement with the community, describing him as “just the type of kind-hearted and generous person we want running our town.”

Nick, a young participant, had a great day, just like many of the other children. After initial difficulties at the ping pong game station, he received guidance from volunteer Xiaohui and succeeded in winning a Batman toy as a prize. His mother, Sylvia, appreciated the volunteers’ help in enabling her son to overcome the initial challenge and learn a new skill.

Patricia, a parent of four, praised the event’s organization and the opportunity for a family lunch at a great venue. Inspired by her family’s positive experience and a campus tour led by volunteer Olivia, she expressed her intention to join as a volunteer next year. Her experience showed the connections being built between Princeton University students and the broader community.

Sean, a team leader from The Hun School of Princeton, shared some of the work that went on behind the scenes: “I’ve spent the past few months communicating with more than 60 families about this event.” He added, “It’s been amazing to meet everyone in person and see all of our efforts pay off.” Eager to continue this work, he shared that he’s going to create a club at his school to further autism awareness and establish community connections.

Organizers expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for her official proclamation recognizing the Autism Awareness Alliance’s contributions. Her office delivered her official proclamation at 8:30 a.m., right before the event.

Organizers were also grateful to the Princeton Police Department, whose officers not only ensured safety but also engaged with attendees, taking pictures and promoting community support.

Event preparations began at 7 am with volunteers inflating over 300 helium balloons, led by Xiaoyue from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia and Catherine from Pine Crest School in Florida. They set the stage for a day celebrated under sunny skies. The community’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many looking forward to next year’s event.

The “Beyond the Spectrum” event was made possible through collaboration with the Princeton Child Development Institute and contributions from local student advocates and their families, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting neurodiversity.

For more information about the Autism Awareness Alliance or future events, please contact Sean Xu at autismprinceton@gmail.com or call 212-796-2180 or 609-212-7696.

About the Autism Awareness Alliance:

The Autism Awareness Alliance is a non-profit organization led by high school and university students dedicated to raising autism awareness and supporting children with autism and their families through community engagement and advocacy.