BOSTON – Suffolk women's hockey actively chose to include every Friday during April. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month the Rams, both student-athletes and staff, were active for at least 1.54 miles to represent the 1 in 54 children in America that are diagnosed with Autism every year. 

The Rams took advantage of the spring weather and chose to get their miles in outdoors for the most part in running, roller blading and walking downtown and in East Boston, while a few Suffolk student-athletes wore their "Choose to Include" shirts during cycling class. Members of Ram Nation could follow along every Friday throughout April to see the Rams in action. 

The initiative was created by head coach Taylor Wasylk to help bring awareness to the disease and help establish an environment where one is accepted for their abilities and not their disabilities. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain. People with autism show decreased social communication skills and restricted or repetitive patters of behaviors or interests.  

According to Autism Speaks, a leading national organization on advocacy, ASD now affects about 1.8 percent of Americans. Over the years, the numbers of individuals diagnosed with ASD has increased.  

In 2020, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  

To represent that statistic, Suffolk women's hockey has promised to be active, whether running, walk, roller blading, etc., for 1.54 miles every Friday throughout the month of April.  

This is not the first time Wasylk's Rams have brought attention to the disease. In the program's first season, 2018-19, Suffolk traded its blue-and-gold sweaters for puzzle piece jerseys in a third-jersey game to benefit and show support to the valuable work many organizations do for all with ASD. Suffolk looks to bring back the benefit game in 2021-22.

Women's Hockey Choose to Include