Light It Up Blue 2010: Autism Awareness Day

For this years autism awareness, Autism Speaks is Lighting It Up Blue for 2010. On the night of April 1, 2010 (that is tonight) the Empire State Building in New York City will be lit up blue. The CN tower in Toronto, Canada will also be lit up to raise autism awareness. Pictures can be viewed here as well. There is also some great ideas on what you can do for autism awareness this month. If you are looking to find an event to attend to in your area, then there is a place where you can find the ones in your area. If you have any photos that you wish to share with them, then you can also get that done. Need to share on facebook or twitter? No problem. You can do it all there. Light It Up Banners for blogs and websites are also available to use at no cost to you, and remember to wear blue for Autism Awareness Day!! Thank you for your support!

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Landmark Autism Treatment Acceleration Act

In recent days on capitol hill, the Landmark Autism Treatment Acceleration Act has been big news at Autism Votes. Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, today applauded the introduction of the groundbreaking Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA). Originally drafted by then-Senator Barack Obama and introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), ATAA is comprehensive federal legislation that addresses several critical challenges facing the autism community, including increased funding for scientific research, treatment and services. The ATAA incorporates provisions from the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) originally proposed by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Autism Speaks applauds the introduction of the act. To help address the unique needs of adults with ASDs, the bill would create a demonstration project with one-year planning grants and multi-year implementation grants for the provision of service for adults with autism. These services would address important issues such as education and employment, housing, nutrition and wellness, social activities, and transportation and personal safety. A key section of the bill requires insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs), including coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy – a medically-necessary, evidence-based autism treatment – and assistive communication devices. In most states, insurers are currently allowed to specifically exclude coverage for these critical services, which can cost upward of $50,000 a year – well beyond the means of most families. I am just lucky that Medicaid is paying for what little that we do get. I have always wanted more for the boys as far as treatment goes, but without insurance to pay for these things and the money to pay for insurance it is very hard; almost to the point of not getting those extra services and help that everyone should be entitled to.


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Lowe's Motor Speedway To Donate To Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks will be receiving ten dollars for every ticket sold between now and April 11 for the Lowe's Motor Speedway. What a wonderful thing. Can you imagine how many people will be there for that race? The NASCAR Sprint All-Star race will be held May 16, while the Coca-Cola 600 is May 24. Believe it or not, but I do have a racing streak in me. Not really like the idea as a job though. To dangerous for me. I have went to see a "race" in our area that was on dirt. It was fun and very loud. There is an article about donating portion ticket sales to Autism Speaks that has Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway comment. If you are in the area for these races, then this would be a wonderful time to have fun for a cause. I believe that ten dollars is a wonderful amount to be offered. Makes you wonder how much that they will generate out of this one.





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Yoko Ono To Auction "Promise" for Autism Speaks

Yoko Ono will unveil her original mural titled "Promise" to be auctioned off in support of Autism Speaks and the 2nd annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) April 2 at the United Nations. Here she is hanging a note on the Wish Tree at the opening of the Imagine exhibit in Montreal on Tues. March 31, 2009. The unveiling, at 10:30 a.m. in the United Nations mini-gallery and visitor's lobby, will be sponsored by the Chilean Ambassador to the United Nations, Herald Muñoz, and the Chilean Mission and supported by Autism Speaks, a worldwise autism science and advocacy organization. Autism is only one of three health issues to be recognized by the United Nations with its own "day."

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will participate in the internet press conference at noon ET on Friday discussing Saturday's benefit concert and endorsing transcendental meditation for kids. Also participating will be David Lynch, actor Russell Simmons , Donovan, Paul Horn, Bettye LaVette, and Mike Love among others.



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