Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. This year marks the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter is bringing awareness to Autism by hosting "Cooking For Austim" to raise money to fianically assist local agencies in Scotland and Richmond Counties who provide direct services to children with Autsim. Join us April 15, 2024, as Chief Kayla Clark provides a live cooking session to raise money for Autism.

Kayla Clark is a native of Baltimore, Maryland where she started cooking with her dad around the age of 6. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte with her Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Bachelor’s of Science in Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship. Kayla is currently a Manager in the Kitchen Department at Marriott SouthPark. She joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in Spring 2020 through the Delta Phi Chapter and is a current member of the Delta Zeta Chapter. In addition, she has held many positions such as Undergraduate Chapter President, Undergraduate Representative to the NC Executive Board and is the current International Undergraduate Member at Large. Lastly, she a candidate for International Second Vice President, where she plans to Transcend Zeta in Excellence.

Cooking For Autism w/ Chef Kayla Clark

By Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter

Cooking For Autism w/ Chef Kayla Clark

Raising Money for Autism