Autism Speaks Official Blog

Lindt Chocolate, the world’s leading producer of premium chocolate, today announces the 2010 Lindt Unsung Heroes of Autism. Three individuals have been selected from an exceptional group of nominees and are being recognized and honored as extraordinary champions for those affected by autism in their families, homes and communities. Read more.

Autism Speaks and Dollar General Launch Fundraising Campaign for Autism Awareness Month (Goodlettsville, Tenn.)

Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and Dollar General, the nation’s largest discount retailer by number of stores, today announced their partnership to increase awareness of autism and raise funds for autism research and advocacy during Autism Awareness Month in April. To kick off the month-long campaign, Dollar General has donated $50,000 to Autism Speaks. Read more.

Curt Schilling and company promote Shonda’s new book (Boston, Mass.)

Retired Red Sox ace Curt Schilling and his wife, Shonda, hit the Big Apple this week to promote her new book, “The Best Kind of Different” about their 10-year-old son, Grant’s, struggle with Asperger’s syndrome. Read more.

Parents of the autistic get good news in the midst of New Jersey’s budget crisis (N.J.)

Governor Christie slashed school aid, homestead rebates and health insurance for the poor, but his proposed state budget offered a rare bit of good news for some parents of children with autism. Read more.

Funding OK’d program about autism at University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center (Norman, Okla.)

An educational services program for autistic children from birth to age 3, developed at the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center, is coming to Norman. Read more.

Activists seek change after K-town shooting (Los Angeles, Calif.)

A 27-year-old autistic man was fatally shot over the weekend by police officers who thought he was carrying a weapon. Community leaders are urging the LAPD to improve officer training. Read more.

Worcester Teacher Accused Of Abusing Autistic Boy (Worcester, Mass.)

A Worcester special needs teacher is being investigated by the state Department of Children and Families after allegedly grabbing one of her students and dragging him in an incident March 1. Read more.

The AAFA American Image Awards to Honor Industry Leaders (New York, N.Y.)The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today announced the slate of honorees to be recognized during the 32nd Annual AAFA American Image Awards benefiting Autism Speaks. The annual industry charity event will be held May 26, 2010, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City at 6:30 PM. Read more.

NY one step closer to medical coverage for autism treatment (Albany, N.Y.)

A major stride made Monday at the state capital, with New York one step closer, to requiring health plans that would provide medical coverage for families with autistic children. Read more.

Best Buy replaces electronics items stolen from Eden II school (Staten Island, N.Y.)

The Eden II School for Children with Autism, Elm Park, received several Nintendo Wii consoles, games and a camcorder Monday from Best Buy, New Springville, in the wake of a recent burglary at the school. Read more.

PCSO: 11-year-old with autism critical after near drowning (Queen Creek, Ariz.)

An autistic 11-year-old boy is in critical condition after he was submerged in a bath tub at his Queen Creek home for several minutes Sunday. Read more.