April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism affects one in 88 children in the US.

 It affects 1 in 54 boys.

About 1.5 million people live with some kind of autism spectrum disorder.
  • Only 56% of students with autism finish high school.12
  • The average per-pupil expenditure for educating a child with autism was estimated by SEEP to be over $18,000 in the 1999-2000 school year. This estimate was nearly three times the expenditure for a typical regular education student who did not receive special education services.13
The Autism Society has teamed up with AMC Theaters to make going to the movies possible for many autistic kids with their "Sensory Friendly Films" program.   From the Autism Society:

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.
Upcoming Shows 
April 6: THE CROODS 2-D



From Autism Speaks:

Petition to ask President Obama and Congress to develop and implement a comprehensive national plan to address autism. 

Major League Baseball is teaming up with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, in a league-wide effort to recognize Autism Awareness Month in April. All 30 MLB Clubs will raise awareness for the disorder during one home game in April, or on another date during the regular season. Many of the MLB Autism Awareness games throughout the league will provide special opportunities and a safe, friendly environment for families and individuals affected by autism.
Working with Autism Speaks or other autism awareness organizations, many Clubs will recognize local families during pre-game ceremonies, and members of the autism community will participate in various traditional baseball activities, including throwing out the first pitch, singing the National Anthem, announcing “Play Ball!,” singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” or performing “God Bless America.”

For discounted tickets visit :
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/tickets/autism_awareness.jsp

Comments

mirmac1 said…
Here are some cool shirts to celebrate your child/nephew/neighbor/friend. Proceeds go to Autism Speaks. ONly two days left!


This week, your purchase provides communication therapy to a child with autism.


And link to a video from a talk show program on autism done in the DC area. Felice Orlich, from Children's Hospital, and Ari ? from the Autistic Self-Advocacy network, are two of the program guests. Watch it to up the number of Youtube views, so networks see the importance of covering autism-related issues in the future.

The Stream - The autism spectrum
Anonymous said…
I wonder what SPS is doing for autism awareness. For example are principals being asked to use this as an opportunity to educate families and teachers and students? It would be nice to see those who do something like this called out for special recognition by Supt Banda.

Grannie

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