What is World Autism Awareness Month?
Every April, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd as approved by the
United Nations, the Autism Society of America celebrates World Autism Awareness Month.
Please join us in taking action during World Autism Awareness Month and support the autism
community.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of complex developmental neurological disorders
characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive
behavior and interests. The manifestations and severity of this disorder vary among patients,
hence the term “spectrum disorder.” Some patients may be able to live and work independently,
while others may require lifelong support.
Introducing Dr. Kong and her research team (SYNAPSE)
Dr. Xuejun Kong is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School,
attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and holds a Ph.D. from Peking
University School of Medicine. She leads an autism research team funded by both the United
States and China. Her research projects include ASD microbiome and genome studies,
biomarkers, autonomic nervous system disorders, brain imaging, non-invasive brain stimulation,
and clinical trials in medicine.
Why sponsor this research?
SYNAPSE has outstanding expertise and extensive experience in the field of autism, making it
crucial for advancing research in this area. Their projects will provide a deeper understanding of
the causes and mechanisms of autism, helping the identification of more effective treatment
methods and improving the quality of life for patients. Your sponsorship will support Dr. Kong
and her team in conducting groundbreaking research, bringing hope and improvement to
individuals with autism and their families.
Detail please see SYNAPSE web site:https://synapse.mgh.harvard.edu
Donation channels:
1) Eco-friendly bag sale (led by Jasmine Wang and Jocelyn Chen)
Members of the LexBright art group led by Jasmine Wang and Jocelyn Chen will hand-paint
designs on canvas bags. The revenue from the eco-friendly bag sale will be donated to the
SYNAPSE lab after initial cost has been deducted, and the bags will be given to children with
autism.
Proposal: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rAQDTxsVyDel6Bp9Dh4muLbF6BxR2PU-
2) Business donations:
Participating businesses:
(1) Szechuan's Dumpling (1360 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476)
10% of the revenue made at Szechuan's Dumpling in April (cash payments) will be donated to
the SYNAPSE lab.
(2)Taipei Gourmet (211 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420)
10% of the revenue made at Taipei Gourmet in April (cash payments) will be donated to
the SYNAPSE lab.
https://www.taipei-gourmet.com/
(3) EA Education Consulting and Services Inc (430 Marrett Rd, Suite 2, Lexington, MA 02421)
10% of the registration fees for summer school in April will be donated to the SYNAPSE lab.
Additionally, parents are welcome to prepay training fees in April, and 10% of the proceeds will
also be donated to the SYNAPSE lab.
(More businesses are welcome to participate or donate directly).
3) Individual Participation
(1) Purchase of eco-friendly bags
(2) Dining at partner restaurants in April
(3) Direct donation
(4) Increase awareness of autism and related research, diagnosis, and support for individuals
with autism through social media or offline lectures, and encourage your family and peers to
support.
Seminar Information:
The Women in STEM student club at Phillips Academy, led by Angela Zhao, has invited Dr. Xuejun Kong from SYNAPSE Laboratory to give a speech. The speech will be held online on 4/24 at 7:15 PM. The Zoom ID : 863 8082 2652
Donation Methods:
Zelle: info@silkroadcenterus.org
Paypal: info@silkroadcenterus.org
Check payable to Silk Road Center Inc.
Address: Silk Road Center Inc.
430 Marrett Rd, Suite 2, Lexington, MA 02421
For donation details, please click here.
Donation Registration Form: Autism Research Fundraising Registration Form
Fundraiser event co-leaders:
- Yifei Wang (Senior, Boston University, MA)
- Jasmine Wang (Sophomore, Lexington High School, MA)
- Angela Zhao (Sophomore, Phillips Academy, MA)
- Xiang Li (Sophomore, Cumland High School, RI)
Fundraiser event members:
- Jocelyn Chen (Sophomore, Lexington High School, MA)
- Hanlei Chen (Sophomore, Westwood High School, MA)
- Peter Ding (Sophomore, St Paul’s School, NH)
- Chuyao Yan (Sophomore, Lexington Christian Academy, MA)
- Ashley Liu (Sophomore, Worcester Academy, MA)
- Ryan Ye (Junior, Newton South High School, MA)
- Kaitlyn Tan (Sophomore,Boston University Academy, MA)