A Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education

With autism in the news lately and my nephew and family experiencing it firsthand, I was very excited to see this many stars participating in such a great event. Live performances, sketches and short films will help raise money to ease the severe shortage of effective schools and education programs for autistic childen and adults.

Hosted by Jon Steward this Sunday

April 13th — 8:00pm ET — Comedy Central

Scheduled to appear: Matthew Broderick, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Jonah hill, Conan O'Brien Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Maroon 5, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Kevin James, Ben Stiller, Steve Carell, WILL FERRELL and MORE!!

The entire broadcast is scheduled to stream on Comedy Central Monday, April 14. Beginning Tuesday, April 15, "Night of Too Many Stars" will also be available for download on iTunes for $1.99. Download proceeds go directly to the charity!!

For more info:
www.comedycentral.com

Don't forget to "Take a Walk" to my Autism page and donate to help autism research and raise society's awareness!
www.walknowforautism.org

First World Autism Awareness Day!!

I need to take a day away from my usual rants and reviews of my favorite reality tv shows to discuss a very serious matter.

Something that is very close to my heart lately is the diagnosis of my nephew's autism. He is the most adorable, free-spirited 2-year old, with the cutest, curly, blond hair. I don't think many people understand autism until you actually see someone you love trying to weed through the twists and tangles of daily activities. I've seen the initial heartache my brother, sister-in-law and family experienced, the waiting for a diagnosis and the desperation to get treatment. There's still a long winding road ahead, but he has made much progress in his program since his diagnosis in December!

The General Assembly of the United Nations has established today (April 2) as the First World Autism Awareness Day. The goal is to raise society’s awareness of autism and the struggles of families with an autistic member.

For those of you who are not familiar with autism, here is Wikipedia's condensed definition: "Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old." Autism was a very rare condition and eventually the stats rose to 5 in 10,000. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. It's rising out of control and something needs to be done quickly!


Take A Walk!!
Why not take a virtual walk today, and see how you can help autism!
I just did :)
www.walknowforautism.org



Great Autism Resources —

My brother's blog: 1in150.wordpress.com

My sister-in-law's blog: hopingnotcoping.wordpress.com

A few good links about autism:

• Autism Speaks
  
• Autism Society
  
• Autism.com
  
• Jenny McCarthy talks about her son Evan