Friday, April 1, 2011

April 1 - Autism Awareness


April is Autism Awareness Month...  April 2 is the fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day.  Every year, Autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness raising events. 



Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.  Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.


Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.


Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. 



Get Involved:

Ways to Donate to Autism Speaks.

Here are some fun ways you can help Autism Speaks:


Bid on an Easter Bunny!  Porcelain versions of the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny autographed by celebrities in the entertainment, food, music and sports communities will be up for auction on ebay from premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt from March 30-April 9. - 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Autism Speaks.  If you need any candy to fill your Easter Baskets for the third year, chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli is donating 10 cents for every Lindt Gold Bunny sold in leading grocery stores and its own retail stores in advance of Easter for up to a $100,000 donation.

Autism Speaks and retailer T.J.Maxx will once again partner in April on a fundraising and awareness effort. For three weeks, beginning April 3rd at 900 T.J.Maxx stores nationwide, customers will be invited to purchase an Autism Speaks puzzle piece at checkout for a donation of $1. All proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks and customers will be able to pick up information about autism. Last year, their efforts raised over $1 million.

All 57 Dave & Buster's restaurant and arcade locations will give customers an opportunity to donate to Autism Speaks when they pay their bills throughout the month of April. Customers will receive a coupon in return for use at a later date.

Zale Corporation will donate $5 for every piece of jewelry sold from its exclusive Shared Heart®collection at Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet and Gordon's Jewelers stores throughout April and the rest of the year. This collection features different designs evoking the special love shared by two hearts beating as one. Zale has committed to a minimum donation of $200,000 as a part of the second year of this partnership.




Source: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Japan Earthquake Relief

Shop My Zazzle Store


Make personalized gifts at Zazzle.