Arts ‘n Autism and the Autism Society of Alabama are teaming up for a comedy event to help the growing amount of people suffering from Autism.
“Stand Up for Autism,” at the Moody Music building, will feature stand-up comedy, food, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $30 and all proceeds will go to the two organizations hosting the event.
The silent auction will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. The show starts at 7:15 p.m., and the live auction will be held during the show.
Former All-American UA football player and Biggest Loser Couples runner-up Roger Shultz will be the event’s emcee, and the line-up of local comedians include TV’s Rick Dowling, UA professor Brad Fisher and Bryant Bank Vice President Max Karrh.
Suzanne Dowling, the wife of Rick Dowling, is the chair of the event as well as the president of the advisory committee for Arts ‘n Autism. Dowling, who has a son with autism, said there number of individuals being diagnosed with Autism has increased in a year’s time.
“I believe this is bordering on an epidemic, and the needs of services have increased,” Dowling said. “If you don’t know someone with autism now, you will soon. It’s going to impact someone you work with, attend school with, someone in your church — it could be anywhere.”
Jan Sikes, director of Arts ‘n Autism, said she has taught in Tuscaloosa for 24 years and noticed many parents concerned about the lack of programs equipped to help children with the disorder, so Arts ‘n Autism was created. She said after five years, the program has grown from just 10 students to 53, and it has seen a noticeable impact.
“In January, in the Tuscaloosa news, one of our students made the dean’s list at UA he was one of the first children in the program,” Sikes said. “I think anything that affects every one in ten children affects everyone. We want these children with autism to be successful. We want them to get jobs and go to college,” she added.
Dowling said autism can be very debilitating and it makes living in society very difficult but programs like Arts ‘n Autism and the Autism Society of Alabama are here to help.
“The great thing about this event is there are two programs dealing differently with autism but they mash together in this event,” Dowling said. “You have Arts n’ Autism that is helping the kids one on one and The Autism Society of Alabama promotes the education, advocacy and support of persons with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
“We want you to ‘laugh and learn’ and leave there a little more educated about Autism.” Dowling added. “It’s a great pairing. As a parent with a child with autism, I want things to help him develop and another program for his rights.”
Petra Burrows, assistant director of Arts n’ Autism and coordinator of the Learning Independent for Future Education Employment program, said “Stand Up for Autism” attendees can look forward to a good time for a good cause.
“The comedians are funny, and the more people who become aware, the more kids who can get helped. If we can get the attention of the right people we receive more funding.”
