There was a Press Release announcing the consolidation of two autism charities - Autism Speaks, which was started this past February by Chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne. They have a grandson that was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. They have merged with National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), a non-profit that has been around since 1994.

The main objective is to raise public awareness about autism and to raise funds for biomedical research. They will still have the Autism Walks, known as Walk F.A.R. for NAAR.

This past April, which is the month for Autism Awareness the NBC stations showcased autism with the theme - Autism: The Hidden Epidemic? through many profiles of families and therapies. I enjoyed following the shows and learning about what lies ahead for my children as they go through childhood. The four hour DVD has the ten-part Today show series, along with the six part series that aired on CNBC.

I am hoping that they continue with the theme this coming April and include articles and interviews in the print media. I learned through the Website that Suzanne Wright will be a guest on The View January 18, 2006. This is an ABC show, usually aired in the morning.

I watched the first episode of the finale for The Apprentice where the two finalists, Randall and Rebecca choose their team and start working on their event. One event is to benefit Autism Speaks with the other event for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. The team met with representatives of Autism Speaks and learned a bit about autism, wanting the theme of the event to capture the 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with autism. The final episode will be on Thursday, December 15, 2005 in a live telecast for the east coast.

I have liked Randall on the show since the beginning and will be pulling for him to become the next Apprentice and it just so happens that he is running the Autism Speaks event. The finale will be two hours.

NAAR UK

Toronto Walk for NAAR

Congressional Autism Caucus

ASA Postage Stamp

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