SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Michigan’s leading charity for autism, Jack’s Place for Autism, will hold its 4th Annual “Autism Awareness Day” September 9 at Comerica Park, it was announced today.

Through support of The Detroit Tigers, Detroit Tigers Foundation and Pepsi, Jack’s Place was able to provide 400 game tickets to people and families impacted by autism. The charity is also selling an additional 500 tickets to generate awareness of autism and provide direct help to families through health and support programs.
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This is not your typical Autism News Direct post but it is just something I couldn’t pass up.  I am a subscriber to AutismLink and this morning my inbox had an email that states Britney Spears is concerned that her youngest son, Jayden James, may have autism.  Spears attended an autism fundraiser by Generation Rescue which evidently raised some eyebrows.

The original report, posted on the yellmalta.com website states:

Jayden James, the son Britney shares with Kevin Federline “often seems to be in his own world,” said a Federline insider. In contrast to his vigorous and cheerful brother Sean Preston, the 2-year-old boy is very calm and hard to get through to. His mum worries that he could be autistic as the kid does not mix with other children, and prefers to keep away from the crowd.

Evidently Federline and Spears are hoping to secure a full developmental assessment in the near future for Jayden.

April 2, 2008 has been declared World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations.  In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, CNN has scheduled several autism specials to be aired on 4/2.  You will need to check your local listings for channel and time information.

9:00 am Eastern - “We Have Autism”

6:00 pm Eastern - Larry King Live will focus on the autism/vaccine debate

9:00 pm Eastern - Anderson Cooper 360 will focus on Life as an Adult with Autism

In addition to the above shows, CNN.com also has a special site dedicated to autism spectrum disorders.

Celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in 2008, the California Autism Foundation has announced the details for the 2008 Ride for a Better Chance.  Together with the Blacktop Knights Motorcycle Club, the California Autism Foundation will host a poker run with a barbecue to follow featuring live music.  The 2007 event featured over 300 motorcycle enthusiasts; this year the Foundation hopes to top that number.

The 2008 event will be held on Sunday, June 1.  The starting point is at the CruiserCustomizing Showroom in Livermore and the event finishes at the California Autism Foundation office located in Richmond.

For more information, view the Ride for a Better Chance 2008 website.

Larry King will be featuring Jason “J-Mac” McElwain on his show, Larry King Live, on Valentine’s Day - February 14, 2008.  J-Mac is known for his amazing three-point shots during a high school basketball game in 2006.  Playing his first game for Greece Althena high school, J-Mac came in and scored 20 points and made six three-point shots which tied a school record.  J-Mac was ultimately recognized by President George W. Bush, ESPN, and other agencies across the United States.  J-Mac is on the autism spectrum and will talk with Larry King on the Thursday show dedicated to autism spectrum disorders.

Others scheduled to appear on the show include celebrities Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie, and Toni Braxton; all three of these individuals have a child on the autism spectrum.  Unlike other autism shows, the Larry King Live website promises “an uplifting hour with those who know!”

Source:  CNN.com

Autism Awareness Month is rapidly approaching (April); Toys R’Us has published a news release announcing its commitment to continue supporting Autism Speaks in 2008.  Toys R’Us and the Toys R’Us Children’s Fund have awarded a $250,000 grant to Autism Speaks.  In addition, the stores located throughout the United States will sponsor dozens of the Autism Speaks fundraising walks and allow customers to donate to Autism Speaks through in-store fundraising efforts.  The 2007 in-store fundraising brought in more than $1 million to benefit Autism Speaks.

For more information read the entire Toys R’Us/Autism Speaks press release.