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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From the April 2008 USAAA Newsletter:

US Autism and Asperger Association is the presenting sponsor for the 2008 TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) Annual Family Picnic and Fundraiser. More than 2,000 Southern California families who have children with autism will attend this extremely popular family event Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Camp James/Hidden Valley Park in Irvine, California.
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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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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.

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.