Spectrum Academy, an autism-centered charter school, is launching a social media campaign to visually highlight the personal connections people have with autism. The campaign, #connectedtothespectrum, is timed to coincide with National Autism Awareness Month which has been celebrated in April since the 1970s.

“Whether it’s a child, grandchild, aunt, nephew, neighbor or best friend, we want people to share a vibrant image of their personal connection to someone on the autism spectrum,” said Brad Nelson, director of development at Spectrum Academy. “We see this social media campaign as an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands dealing with the autism diagnosis.”

The public is encouraged to share an image on social media with their connection to someone on the autism spectrum and tag Spectrum Academy (@spectrum_charter) with the hashtag #connectedtothespectrum. In addition to the social media campaign, Spectrum Academy will host its annual school fund-raising gala on April 23, 2015, at The Leonardo, with a live auction, catered dinner by Brio Tuscan Grille and special performance by renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker. The charitable event will provide immediate and direct assistance to children with autism by providing much needed funding for the necessary tools and support at the school, such as technology in every classroom, implementation of the school’s school-to-work program and play areas for the school’s functional skills classes.

Spectrum Academy will host its annual school fund-raising gala on April 23, 2015, at The Leonardo, with a live auction, catered dinner by Brio Tuscan Grille and special performance by renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker. The charitable event will provide immediate and direct assistance to children with autism by providing much needed funding for the necessary tools and support at the school, such as technology in every classroom, implementation of the school’s school-to-work program and play areas for the school’s functional skills classes.

With campuses in North Salt Lake and Pleasant Grove, Utah, nationally acclaimed Spectrum Academy moves beyond autism awareness and into action with its customized education approach. Spectrum Academy specializes in giving students with high-functioning autism tools for life. The tuition-free charter school understands the unique challenges and amazing potential of students on the autism spectrum and delivers a secure and comfortable environment, individualized to each child’s educational need.

“Renowned autism activist Temple Grandin, who has visited Spectrum Academy, said, ‘People on the spectrum who have a fulfilling life now often had four important assets earlier in their life: early education and treatment; medication or other treatment for sever anxiety, depression, or sensory sensitivities; development of their talents; and mentors and teachers to help them.’ This is why Spectrum Academy exists and we are making the difference in the lives of our students and their families. With Utah holding one the highest autism rate in the nation, let’s lead the charge in supporting autism awareness with #connectedtothespectrum and see how far it spreads.”

For more information about Spectrum Academy, the #connectedtothespectrum social media campaign or the school’s fund-raising gala, contact Director of Development Brad Nelson at 801-936-0318 ext. 4009 or 801-440-3150; or visit the school’s website at spectrumcharter.org.