Brewers support MLB Autism Awareness Initiative April 30th

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club will support Major League Baseball’s league-wide autism awareness initiative on Tuesday, Apr. 30, which marks the end of Autism Awareness Month. In support of area families affected by autism, a portion of proceeds made from sales of Terrace Reserved tickets will be donated to Autism Speaks Milwaukee to help fund awareness events and resources.

More than 200 individuals affected by autism are expected to attend the Brewers’ Autism Awareness Night, and one family affected by autism will be taking advantage of pre-game batting practice, courtesy of the Brewers Community Foundation.

In April, Major League Baseball announced it was teaming up with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, in a league-wide effort to recognize Autism Awareness Month. All 30 MLB clubs will raise awareness for the disorder during one home game in April, or on another date during the regular season. Many of the MLB Autism Awareness games throughout the league will provide special opportunities and a safe, friendly environment for families and individuals affected by autism.

“We sincerely appreciate support from organizations such as the Milwaukee Brewers in helping to spread awareness of autism in our community and to bring together our families to build a network of support,” said Mallory Walsh, field development manager for Autism Speaks Milwaukee. “It’s organizations such as the MLB that help us educate the greater population about autism and the support Autism Speaks can provide to our families locally and nationwide.”

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

For more information about MLB Autism Awareness and to check on other Club datescommemorating the initiative, please visit MLBCommunity.org.