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.

Talk About Curing Autism to Host Southern California Celebrity Gala

COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Jenny McCarthy, actress, comedian and model will co-host a major fundraiser to benefit families affected by autism with Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion road racing cyclist.
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The 2008 US Autism and Asperger Association Conference will be held from September 4-7, 2008 in Austin, Texas. The USAAA has just published a press release announcing celebrity autism mom Holly Robinson Peete as the keynote speaker.

Actress, singer, and author Holly Robinson Peete will deliver the Keynote address at the USAAA 2008 Autism & Asperger International Conference which will also include more than 30 of the world’s leading Autism Spectrum Disorder experts who will discuss new treatment regimes and effective therapies never before presented to the public.

The US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA) is set to hold its third annual conference, the 2008 International Conference, from September 4-7, 2008 in Austin, Texas. The event will be kicked off by well-known actress, singer, and author Holly Robinson Peete who, along with husband Rodney – a former NFL quarterback, has become a vocal national advocate for autism-affected families. The Peetes have successfully managed marriage challenges and the difficulties faced in raising their son Rodney Jr. who is affected by autism… and they are still going strong as a family after 12 years! Ms. Peete will offer her compelling testimony on the twin miracles of compassion and communication.

The 2008 Pittsburgh Autism Expo is scheduled to be held on October 24 and 25, 2008 at the Pittsburgh Airport Crowne Plaza Hotel. David Kirby, author of Evidence of Harm, is schedule to present the keynote address.

David Kirby has been a professional journalist for 17 years, and has written for The New York Times for more than a decade. David Kirby’s first book “Evidence of Harm, Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic debuted at number 27 on The New York Times bestseller list. The book has sparked a national debate and Kirby has appeared on such varied media venues as Meet the Press, The Today Show, Imus in the Morning, Montel Williams and Air America.

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The following announcement was sent out by the Autism Research Institute.

Help Mark Rimland’s School Win Oprah’s Big Give

Vote Now to Help SMSC Win $10,000
One vote per email address daily till noon PT April 17

For more than 41 years, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) - a non-profit non-denominational organization in the San Diego area - has helped people with developmental disabilities, their families and communities, discover, explore, and nurture potential - giving thousands a chance to live life to the fullest.
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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