The Current | Vol. 31 Issue 28

March 30, 2021 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 5 Features It’s not Autism Awareness Month, it’s Autism Acceptance Month Beginning April 2, it is Autism Awareness Month. In the 1970s, the Autism Society of America started with a week dedicated to awareness for autism. The week later evolved to a month, but it is not called Autism Awareness Month anymore -- rather, it is called Autism Acceptance Month. According to the Autism Society, “The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services.” The Autism Society of America chose the rainbow to represent Autism Acceptance Month because it represents the diversity of symptoms and individuals with autism. There are several events people could attend for Autism Acceptance Month, including a virtual event based in Fort Lauderdale called 1.3 with Me for Autism Virtual Fundraiser. According to the Boca Raton Observer, the event lasts from April 2-13. The event is about raising money while walking or running 1.3 miles and the registration costs $25. Susan Kabot, the director of NSU’s Autism Consortium, said there will be an event on April 8 for Autism Acceptance Month called Good Vibrations. NSU is collaborating with the Baudhuin Preschool for the event, which will be held on campus at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, and is about raising funds for specially designed vibrating sensory toys for the students at Baudhuin Preschool. According to Kabot, one of the symptoms of autism is different reactions to sensory stimuli. So, in order to desensitize the stimuli, professionals buy sensory materials including toys. Ashley Diaz Contributing Writer A great way to support individuals with autism is by educating yourself and to learn how to communicate and interact with others that have autism. Be aware of what they are comfortable and uncomfortable with when having a conversation with them. Kabot also mentioned a program at NSU that supports students with autism called Access Plus. The program helps students with their daily school lives, whether it be social or academic. “It’s not awareness. It’s acceptance,” said Kabot. A look at rising hate crimes against Asian Americans On March 19, 2020, the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council, the Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian American studies department of San Francisco State University set in motion the Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate Reporting Center in response to the numerous attacks and hostile behavior against Asian minorities in the U.S. Last year, more specifically, from March to December, this organization documented over 2,800 instances of anti-Asian violence, and although one might think that those numbers have decreased since 2020, they have not. Recently, there have been several attacks on the Asian American community -- some of which have been fatal. According to Human Rights Watch, in the past two weeks, there have been over 30 attacks against Asians in Oklahoma’s Chinatown alone. The recent mass shooting in Atlanta has also highlighted the hate towards the AAPI community. On March 16, 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long killed eight people, seven of whom were Asian, after targeting three different spas located in Atlanta. Once arrested, the gunman was charged with four counts of murder in Atlanta and one count of aggravated assault in Cherokee County. According to federal officials, there is not enough information nor evidence to support federal hate crime charges. However, local law enforcement agencies have claimed that every possibility will be considered. Where does this hate come from and why is this happening? Asian discrimination in the U.S. is nothing new. According to Charles Zelden, history professor at NSU, Asians started to migrate to the U.S. in the 1840s during the Gold Rush. They immediately became victims of discrimination because many Americans on the West Coast at the time viewed Asians as a threat to their work and community. This caused the U.S. government to shut the door to Chinese immigration in the 1880s, and 10 years later, the same was done to the Japanese. In addition to this historical background, the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled discrimination, xenophobia and acts of racism against Asian minorities, especially since the Trump administration emphasized that the virus came from China by calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Virus.” “It is not uncommon to blame somebody when you are facing a problem, but you do not do that if it’s Santiago Diaz Finochietto Contributing Writer people you respect. You expect to do it with people you hate, people you dislike, people you mistrust, people you fear and the pre-existing attitude towards Asians has made it possible to grow this anti- Asian racism and acts of violence,” said Zelden. Zelden explained that instances of discrimination against Asian Americans, unfortunately, will continue to happen, no matter the circumstances. While there is a bias, people will act with or with a cause. In response to these events, President Biden decreed an executive order on Jan. 26 condemning the wave of racism toward the Asian American Pacific Islander community. According to NBC news, the order issues guidance on how to better collect data and assist with the reporting of anti-Asian hate incidents. Gill Out: Sweet Alchemy Confectionery Sweet Alchemy Confectionery Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (or until sold out) $-$$ 10% off discount for college students Available on UberEats for delivery College can be stressful, especially after a huge exam or a long study session. For me, I turn to baked goods, sweets and ice cream to mellow out and refresh along with a relaxed atmosphere. Enter: Sweet Alchemy Confectionery, which offers a 10% discount for college students. This local bakery on Davie Rd, which opened in November, is just the place to satisfy your sweet tooth and try out some new flavors. Here, they specialize in all things baked goods from cookies, donuts, speciality cakes, ice cream and other desserts all made in-house with fresh ingredients. Sweet Alchemy Confectionery started as a pop-up bakery within the Flashback Diner last summer, with the creative mastermind, Chef Max Santiago of Salty Donut and Batch fame, at the helm. Now, with their new home right next door to Flashback Diner, it seems that this bakery is taking Davie by storm. If you are someone that likes to try new things and explore the dimensions of your palate, then this place should definitely be your go-to spot. With rotating speciality flavors offered every month, including holiday themes, there is always something new to try and some of your signature favorites will still be there if you aren’t feeling too daring. What’s most unique about this bakery is that all their donuts start off with a 24 brioche dough, which gives them the perfect softness, but dense texture that everyone looks for in the perfect donut. These donuts are paired with unique, fruity and memorable flavor combinations like cinnamon sugar with a little spicy kick, dark chocolate ganache, passion fruit, key lime, blood orange, blueberry, lemon, brown butter and maple, among other flavors. Speaking of speciality flavors, although Sweet Alchemy is known for their signature and specially decorated treats, they also offer a unique take on pies and cakes. Nicknamed Swirly’s, customers have the opportunity to pick a pie or cake and have it mixed into the most delightful smoothie and milkshake concoction. So, while you make the important decision as to what sweet treat to take home, don’t forget to pair it with some American or cold brew coffee, tea, a homemade ice- cream milkshake or even a Swirly. For those with dietary restrictions, have no fear. Currently, Sweet Alchemy has gluten-free, vegan and soon will offer sugar-free items, so everyone can have an opportunity to taste all the fantastic flavors Sweet Alchemy has to offer. After you’ve chosen the perfect treat, feel free to eat on the outside patio or at one of the booths or tables, with safe social distancing, of course. This gives you an opportunity to catch up with your friends after a busy week, celebrate or regroup after a particularly challenging test or even just share some new memories with your nearest and dearest. So, explore your wild side and allow your taste buds to go on a magical adventure the next time you feel the need to satisfy your sweet tooth. You will be glad you did, and feel free to tell them The Current sent you. Christina McLaughlin Co-Editor-in-Chief With permission to print from C. Mclaughlin.