Click to support UC Davis and its Coaches Powering Forward for Autism campaign

Learn more about Autism Speaks and how you can help this organization

DAVIS, Calif. - If you look closely at the UC Davis men's basketball staff during Saturday's televised game at CSUN - broadcasted on FOX College Sports Pacific in Northern California and FOX Prime Ticket in Southern California - you will notice that all coaches and staff are wearing blue puzzle piece lapel pins.

Head coach Jim Les, and his staff, will join more than 240 NCAA men's and women's basketball teams this weekend to support Coaches Powering Forward for Autism, a campaign to drive awareness and funds for Autism Speaks. Spearheaded by Towson head coach Pat Skerry, and Georgia Tech assistant coach Tom Herrion who both have sons living with autism, the program provides coaches, their teams, schools and fans with opportunities to raise awareness, fundraise and advocate for the needs of people affected by autism.

Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development that impact a person's ability to communicate and socialize. Currently one in every 68 children and one in 42 boys is diagnosed on the spectrum. Individuals with autism often have repetitive behaviors and debilitating medical issues.

Since 2005, Autism Speaks has been working to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. As the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism. They strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.

Participants are encouraged to enlist others to join the campaign, with the goal of each team raising $6,800 - a figure symbolic of the 1 in 68 children on the autism spectrum. The funds will go towards Autism Speaks' research and advocacy efforts on behalf of the autism community.

UC Davis men's basketball fans can click here to contribute to UC Davis' fundraising campaign, or click here for additional about Autism Speaks and the numerous ways one can support this non-profit advocacy organization.