HEALTH & WELLNESS
Cincinnati (OH) Alumni Chapter Puts Autism Awareness Front and Center ‘A Night for Autism’ promoted service, advocacy, and community partnership
By Brian Cole, Sr. & Judson L. Haynes
• Only 36% of African American children with autism receive behavioral therapy, compared to 56% of White children. • African American children are diagnosed with autism at a median age of 5.3 years—over a year later than their White peers. • Black children are twice as likely to be misdiag- nosed with behavioral disorders before receiving an autism diagnosis. These disparities delay critical early interventions and deepen inequities in education, social devel- opment, and long-term outcomes. By championing Autism Awareness and resource accessibility, Cincinnati (OH) Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation is positioning itself at the forefront of addressing systemic gaps that disproportionately affect African Americans in their community. First and foremost, A Night for Autism was a fundraiser—it was also a
T he origins of A Night for Autism are deeply personal. Brian Cole Sr. (Pi Pi 2003) was inspired by the journey of his son, Brian Jr. (affectionately known as Rio). He saw firsthand how the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital transformed his family’s life. From communi- cation breakthroughs using Picture Exchange Communi- cation System (PECS) cards to structured training that provided life-changing devel- opmental skills, the Center became not just a resource but a lifeline. Determined to give back, Brother Cole drew upon the collective strength of Kappa Alpha Psi® by reaching out to the Cincinnati (OH) Alumni Chapter (CAC) to help launch an event that would bring awareness and lasting impact. This decision was more than personal; it was organi- zational. By mobilizing CAC to address a pressing health and equity issue, Cole aligned
Brian Cole Sr. discussing his family’s journey and the importance of autism awareness in the community.
“ ONLY 36% OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM RECEIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, COMPARED TO 56% OF WHITE CHILDREN.”
the work of the chapter with Kappa Alpha Psi’s larger mission of achievement and public service.
Although Autism is a uni- versal condition, its impact is not evenly felt. The data reveal a sobering reality:
12 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2025
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