Make a Difference – Become a BRAIN Youth Ambassador
Your chance to shine and make a difference to countless lives
What is the BRAIN Youth Ambassador Initiative
The Youth Ambassador initiative is part of the Brain Foundation’s Autism Awareness Program
The Goals
Primary goal is to educate, enlighten and empower the youth about the myths/ truths / medical issues in autism by spreading awareness, breaking stereotypes and promoting an inclusive community
How It Works
Adult volunteers will guide the youth to contribute towards social projects with the goal to spread awareness about the BRAIN Foundation and to help with fundraising
Benefits to Becoming a BRAIN Ambassador
The power to change lives and attitudes – you will be making a tangible change by helping build an inclusive community
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New friends and stronger friendships – Connection with like minded individuals
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Develop soft skills in a safe and accepting environment
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Colleges look for a well rounded candidate and volunteering is an important aspect that strengthens your resume
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Opportunities will be available for students who are interested in the pre-med, biology fields to take classes led by researchers

Become Eligible for Presidential Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was founded in 2003 to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity
PVSA honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities inspires those around them to take action
Hours that Youth Volunteers put in towards projects qualify for hours towards PVSA
PVSA awards help boost your college application resume




Autism Myths and Facts
The Myths
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Autistic people do not want to communicate or are anti-social
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All autistic people have the same skills and difficulties, or have an outstanding savant skill
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Individuals on the autism spectrum who are non-verbal are intellectually disabled
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Students with autism cannot understand receptive language
The Facts
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The CDC estimates autism’s prevalence to be 1 in 36 (2.8%)
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Autism occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is almost 4 times more commonly among boys than among girls
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Autistic youth and adults are not defined by their diagnosis; however being autistic is part of their neurology and is not separate from their person
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Autism is a spectrum difference and affects each person differently. Symptoms and needs can range from mild to severe in various areas and may change over time
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Individuals on the autism spectrum need acceptance, respect and acknowledgement of their gifts and strengths
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Many individuals on the spectrum understand receptive language and might use assistive technology to communicate
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Medical comorbidities in autism is common and many of the behavioral manifestations improve when coexisting medical issues are treated
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Many individuals who were thought to be intellectually disabled have overcome their communication barriers and are getting HS diplomas, are in colleges and contribute to the society – Non-speaking does not mean non-thinking!
Keep informed
Subscribe to our list to get informed of our future fundraisers. Alternatively let us know if you have an idea or or planning a fundraising activity for BRAIN and need our help.