No Bias, No Bull: Plea for Vaccinations

CNN’s Campbell Brown is never afraid to speak her mind and last night was no different. After reporting the newest (3 case study) findings that the MMR vaccine and vaccines containing the mercury based preservative does not cause autism. More on those findings here.

She made her own personal plea in light of the news that she is expecting her second baby and that she does not question that vaccines are safe. She also wanted the public to be aware that in 2008 the U.S. had the highest rate of measles in 10 years due to parents choosing not to vaccinate their children.

She continued with “Major medical groups and government research are
unanimous: the measles vaccine is safe, and you must get your children
vaccinated; because if you don't, you are endangering my children. You are
endangering your neighbor's children. You are endangering all of our
children.”

“Let's all move on together and focus on finding the real cause of
autism and at the same time protect all of our children from deadly diseases
like measles that we know how to prevent.”

As these new findings were reported yesterday, Autism Speaks and The Autism Society of America, two of the largest autism advocacy organizations, asked for more research into the “causes” of autism.

As always, your thoughts on these new findings?

CNN News links here: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/12/campbell.brown.vaccine/#cnnSTCText

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/12/autism.vaccines/index.html#cnnSTCText

Autism Insurance Reform, Note from Autism Speaks..

Dear Massachusetts Autism Advocate:

Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over twenty states across the nation, including Massachusetts.

Last week, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara A. L'Italien (D-42) and State Senator Frederick E. Berry (D-7), will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The autism insurance reform bill will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Autism Speaks is partnering with AFAM (Advocates for Autism in Massachusetts) to ensure passage of this crucial legislation.

There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This legislation will position Massachusetts to be one of the next groundbreaking states that provides access to treatment for families dealing with the challenges of autism spectrum disorder.

Your help is needed to generate support for the autism insurance reform bill from your Massachusetts representative. Note that the deadline for co-sponsorship is February 4th, so please reach out to your state legislators now...

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. CALL YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS. Find out who represents you and their phone numbers here.

2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS. We encourage you to take the opportunity to personalize the e-mail before you click send. You can do so in the box below our letter.

3. STAY INFORMED Visit the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bill.

4. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW A far-reaching grassroots effort will be crucial to the success of this legislation. Reach out to those who have asked how they can help by asking them to support this bill. They can show their support by by contacting their Massachusetts legislators and by registering for action alerts at www.autismvotes.org/.

For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Massachusetts, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Massachusetts.

Warm regards, Judith UrsittiRegional Director of State Advocacy Relations Autism Speaks

Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism: A Message From Autism Speaks

2009 Walk Now for Autism Palm Beach County Saturday, February 21, 2009Flagler Drive in West Palm BeachCheck-in 8:30 AM - Walk Start 10 AM

The Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism is set for Saturday, February 21, 2009 on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. Join us for a family friendly, non-competitive walk and a morning of fun for the entire family. Register today and start your fund raising to support the mission of Autism Speaks. Everyone that raises over $500 will be entered into a drawing for a prize from Autism Speaks.

Help Kick-off the 2009 Palm Beach Walk Season! Please join us and our Corporate Visionary Sponsors on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Palm Beach Airport Hilton at the Palm Beach School for Autism and Fetterman and Associates for this exciting Kick-off Luncheon where you will receive all the tools you need to be part of the 2009 Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism and learn more exciting news about Autism Speaks. Find more information and RSVP.

Walk Team News: Congratulations to David McKibbin (a young man with ASD) for starting the first Palm Beach County Student Club for Autism Speaks at Bak Middle School of the Arts. Recently we spent a day at the school talking to students about autism and how student involvement can change the lives of everyone at the school. Meet David at the Kick-off Luncheon on December 3. The Bak Student Club for Autism Speaks has already started their fund raising efforts by selling candy during lunch. We want to spotlight you and your team fund raising efforts! Send your fund rasing story to palmbeach@autismspeaks.org and see it in an upcoming email blast.

Providers Wanted: If you are or have a provider that you think would like to join our resource fair on walk day please let us know. Part of the event is to provide families with great information about local community resources. From therapists to programs to adaptive music and sports; we want to know about it and share it with our families. Providers can contact us at palmbeach@autismspeaks.org or call 800-610-6227 for more information.

Family Services: So much has been going on within Family Services that it is hard to keep up! The School Tool Kit is being used by many schools to help school personnel from the principals to the bus drivers to understand autism and how to best work with and communicate with children who have ASD and Aspergers. View and download the The School Tool Kit now.

The 100 Day Tool: Kit for newly diagnosed families is now available in Spanish! This is a wonderful resource for families when they first get the news that their child has Autism. Take a look and please share with families that you know would benefit from having this information in Spanish.

Science: The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) is a repository (gene bank) of genetic and clinical information that is made available to autism researchers worldwide. AGRE is currently recruiting families that have two or more children diagnosed on the autism spectrum (autism, PDD-NOS, ASD or Asperger’s syndrome). Find out how you can participate and other exciting science news.

Don't forget to register today for the Kick-off event on December 3, 2008 and the 2009 Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Together we can find the missing pieces to the mysteries of autism!We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,
The 2009 Walk Leadership

Autism Walk Congratulations/Thank You -- From Autism Speaks

Congratulations and Thank You!

We Did It! Over 600 teams and 20,000 people came together at Suffolk Downs Racetrack on Sunday, October 19th to raise $1,115,000 to date and counting for Autism Speaks! Despite the cool weather and winds, walkers united in one strong voice to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders – and the community was listening! We had fantastic media coverage of this event which is so wonderful since the event is equally about fundraising AND awareness! Click here... http://www.autismspeaks.org/walk_events/greater_boston_walk_2008.php for a brief recap of the Walk and YouTube footage from the event.

Fundraising Continues

You can turn in donations for this year's walk through December 31, 2008 and still receive credit to your personal or team fundraising. Please continue to raise funds right up until this date. It’s not too late to qualify for our great incentives!

$250 - $499 Walk Now for Autism Lunch Tote

$500 - $749 Walk Now for Autism Duffel Bag

$750 - $1,499 Walk Now for Autism Sweatshirt

$1,500 - $2,499 Walk Now for Autism Blanket

$2,500 - $4,999 All the Above Gifts

$5,000 - $7,499 Portable DVD Player

$7,500 - $9,999 iPod Nano

$10,000 & Above iPod Classic

Please send any additional donations to the address below and include a donation form for each contribution, with your team name and walker information to get proper credit.

Autism Speaks
Attn: GB Walk Donations

5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2250

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Due to the large volume of donations received on Walk Day (over $200,000), it will take time to enter all donations onto the website. Please be patient and know that we are working as quickly as possible to update your team and individual totals. Additionally, the incentive prizes will be ordered and mailed to you after January 1, 2008 to ensure proper credit to all participants.

Ebaying for Autism

Want the perfect gift for a Celtics fan or sports memorabilia collector? Check out our Ebay auction for the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism. We have a 2008 Celtics Championship team basketball - autographed by the entire team! Check it out at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260305429779.

Never too Late... Did you find yourself running out of time to do those extra fundraising ideas? You can do them now! Host a dinner and charge $10 a head, throw a movie night at home with friends and family and tell folks to drop their donations at the door... the ideas for wrap-around events are endless. In lieu of holiday gifts this season, ask family and friends to consider a tax deductible donation to your Walk fundraising! You could also do this for birthdays, showers, etc. Continue your email and letter writing campaigns and add pictures from the Walk. To find more ideas about how you can fundraise post-walk, visit the fundraising tools link on the Walk Website.

Matching Gifts: If you have matching gift forms for you or your donors' company, please complete the employee section and mail to the address listed above.

Team Photos: Within the next month, all team photos will be emailed to each team captain.

Thank You! Thank you for joining Autism Speaks as we continue to tackle autism. The 2008 Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism was a HUGE success thanks to YOU! The goal for the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism is $1,600,000 so let's keep the fundraising going.

A Message from Greater Boston Walk Co-Chairs

Terri Farrell and Deirdre Legge

Our hearts are full today as we reflect on the past six months. We have met such incredible people during this journey and we are grateful to the thousands who have made this process so rewarding.

During the most difficult economic time since the depression, we have received the most generous gifts of time, talent and dollars. We are so fortunate to have had support from our friends at Suffolk Downs, Boston Culinary Group,Teamsters Local 25, Randy Price and WHDH Channel 7 News, Uno Chicago Grill, Digital Federal Credit Union and Blair Howell and Mass AV, to name a few. We were so thrilled to have the Honorable Mayor Menino kick off the walk, proclaiming October 19th as Autism Awareness Day in Boston. And thanks to our wonderful speakers, Sean O’Brien, President of Teamsters Local 25, Ann Guay from MA Advocates for Children, and Susan Gloor, Autism Speaks’ National Walk Director.

Words cannot express our deep appreciation for the support of the Greater Boston community. This walk would not have been as successful without the support of the New England Chapter Autism Speaks staff. Our special thanks to Melody Horgan, Greater Boston Walk Director, for her tireless efforts, enthusiasm and dedication.

We look forward to the 2009 Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism event and we hope you do too! With deep gratitude,

Terri Farrell and Deirdre Legge

Autism Speaks … Greater Boston is listening

Dancing with the Stars: from Autism Speaks

Tune in tonight for a behind-the-scenes peek at the new Autism Speaks PSA featuring Toni Braxton.

On Monday, Oct. 20 tune in to ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" to watch a special segment on Autism Speaks' national spokesperson, Toni Braxton. The show will feature a "day in the life of Toni Braxton," which includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Toni's recent video shoot for Autism Speaks' new Ad Council public service announcements (PSAs).
Make sure to vote for Toni this week to keep her and autism awareness in the spotlight!

Click here to find your local TV listing.
Click here to learn how to vote for Toni and Alec.
Click here to donate to Autism Speaks.

Boston Walk for Autism Update: from Autism Speaks

Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Sunday, October 19th Suffolk Downs Racetrack in East Boston

Register yourself and your teammates at www.walknowforautism.org/greaterboston
We are just a few days away from the 8th annual Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism at Suffolk Downs Racetrack. If your friends, family and co-workers have not yet registered for the Walk please ask them do so today!

So far we have more than 575 teams registered to participate in this Sunday's Walk. We've raised more than $750,000 to date with your fundraising efforts and our supportive sponsors, including our newest sponsor, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) by contributing $50,000!We need everyone's help to get to our goal of $1.6 million. So please remember that it's so important to follow up with those individuals you might have approached for a donation but you haven't heard a response from yet. Chances are they would like to contribute they just need a gentle reminder.New this year - Be sure to stop by the Mission Product tables to purchase your exclusive Autism Speaks Walk Now Skincare Survival Kit or at www.MISSIONproduct.swirclient.com/autismpeaks. The Walk Kit includes 5 must-have products for your Walk, and even better, MISSION donates 50% of all proceeds to Autism Speaks! So come to the Walk and Get Your MISSION ON!

Reminders for Walk Day -A logistics e-mail was recently sent with details about the big day. Here are just a few reminders...
1. There is plenty of parking at Suffolk Downs so we are no longer shuttling people to the Walk site. Therefore, take a little more time for yourself for getting to the event on Sunday. The doors will not open to Suffolk Downs until 9 am when we are all set up and ready to offer you a great day of food, entertainment and activities.
2. There cannot be any animals on site. If you bring your pets you will be asked to leave them in the car so please let them stay safely at home. This is the policy of Suffolk Downs Racetrack and we must abide by it.
3. UNO Chicago Grill will once again be providing lunch for us and Coca Cola and Boston Culinary Group will have bottled water available. Please remember that water station volunteers are required by Suffolk Downs to remove the caps from the bottles before handing them out. Please help us recycle this year by putting empty bottles into the designated recycling containers next to the garbage cans. If you have someone in your group who has special dietary needs or restrictions we ask that you pack them a lunch from home.
4. Come prepared to have a great day!
Thank you all so much for your wonderful commitment to this organization and its mission. We are incredibly grateful for everything you have done and continue to do. The success of this Walk is your success. THANK YOU.

See you on Sunday!
Greater Boston Walk Planning Committee

Bachman's Pretzels this Halloween: from Autism Speaks

Raise Awareness on Halloween

This Year Bachman's pretzels come in snack sized bags convenient for handing out this Halloween instead of candy. 5% of the proceeds from purchases of Bachman’s special Puzzle Pretzel will be donated to Autism Speaks. Click the following link to find local stores that carry them:

http://www.bachmanco.com/puzzlelist.htmlIf you have any questions, feel free to email us at greaterboston@autismspeaks.org.

Boston Walk for Autism: from Autism Speaks

Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism 2008Sunday, October 19, 2008Suffolk Downs, East Boston, MARegistration 9:00 am Walk 10:30 am

Greetings
If you have already registered to attend the big event on October 19th, you will soon be receiving detailed information for Walk day. You will also find some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have not yet registered, please visit: www.walknowforautism.org/greaterboston or call the Chapter office if you need assistance. 617-924-3300. Donations: When you collect checks for donations, please be sure to include the Donation Tracking Form which can be found online at:http://www.walknowforautism.org/atf/cf/{ed421eb4-f3f0-467b-b6d9-6f709dd02e5d}/Donation%20Tracking%20Form%20for%20website.pdf You can collect checks and turn them in on Walk day, or send them any time to our processing center at the following address. Please note that it can take several weeks to process (due to the wonderfully large amounts of donations coming in from Walks all over the country!) and be credited on your web page:

Send forms and checks to: Autism Speaks, Donations Processing, 5455 Wilshire Blvd , Suite 2250 Los Angeles, CA 90036

Please note: Your Registration # is the same as your Walker ID #.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greater Boston Walk:
1. How long is the actual walk?The scenic Suffolk Downs Racetrack is 1 1/4 miles around. Some people go around once, others twice. You do not have to physically do the Walk if you'd like to just raise funds, attend and enjoy all of the festivities of the day.

2. Does everyone have to register prior to October 19th?Yes, we would like all participants to registers online or via the phone so that we have enough food, t-shirts, supplies, etc. on Walk day. Also, when a person registers they will receive mailings and e-mails with important items and information they will need for the event.

3. What goes on at the Walk?We will have music and entertainment, food from Uno Chicago Grill and other contributors, lots of children's activities (and also a quiet area) and a Resource Fair with many autism related programs, services and product representatives.

4. Do you still need volunteers?Yes, we need many, many volunteers to make this large event run smoothly. Know any high school or college students who need service hours? Please encourage them to contact us at greaterboston@autismspeaks.org or call 617-924-1225. Individuals and groups are welcome. We have lots of available and will be sure to make volunteering fun.

Team Captain Checklist:Use this checklist to ensure that you have completed all of the steps necessary to have a successful Walk Now for Autism team this year.Make sure all team members have registered themselves on-line Involve your company/employer Did you email your co-workers to join the team? Did you involve your boss to rally your company team? Have you asked friends, relatives and neighbors to join you? Encourage all team members to be active fundraisers for autism research, awareness and advocacy Email or call team members regularly to answer questions and check on their progress Create team t-shirts, buttons or a banner to increase your visibility on Walk day

For Those in Southern CA: Ride for a Cure

Past Ride Participants, Do you remember the cheers of the crowd? Do you remember how good it felt to be a part of something extraordinary with other dedicated riders? Do you remember doing something you love and have it affect millions of people? Once again, here’s your chance to relive those moments as Autism Speaks’ presents ING DIRECT Ride Now Southern California 2008. With much gratitude, I want to thank you for your continual participation and support of the Southern California Ride. As we’re quickly approaching this 4th annual event, I would like to personally invite you to join us as we ride for a cure!This year's Ride will take place on October 5th, and will have both North & South starting points converging in the middle for a great day of fun and celebration.North Starting Point: Bartels' Harley-Davidson, Marina Del ReyRegistration Opens: 9:00am to 10:30amSouth Starting Point: Orange County Harley-Davidson/Buell, IrvineRegistration Opens: 9:30am to 11:00amAfter-Party: Long Beach Marina$30 Registration fee includes admission to the after-party, food, commemorative T-shirt, pin and bandana.We look forward to seeing you on October 5, 2008!For more information and to register, visit Autism Speaks' ING DIRECT Ride Now Southern California 2008Questions? Want to help promote? Contact:bhan@autismspeaks.org or 323-297-4771

Those in the Boston area:

For those in the Boston area, from Autism Speaks.

Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism 2008Sunday, October 19, 2008Suffolk Downs, East Boston, MA Just 6 weeks until we join together at Suffolk Downs Race Track for the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism. If you have not yet registered for the big event, please go to www.walknowforautism.org/greaterboston. Registration/Check-in is at 9 am and the Walk will begin at 10:30 am. Registering prior to the Walk means that you will receive very helpful materials and full support from our staff and also helps us to plan for enough food and supplies for everyone. You are also eligible to win fantastic prizes at the Walk – IF you have registered by October 15th.

Back to School - A new School Community Tool Kit is availableYour child’s school is the perfect place to spread the word about the Walk. Ask the special education director if you may send home a Walk brochure with each student. Ask teachers to form their own Walk team and represent the school’s pride. Raise awareness by directing school staff to the new School Community Tool Kit which can be easily downloaded at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/school_kit.php.
With the support of the school community – the teachers, administrators, aides, office staff, bus drivers, nurses, custodians, peers and parents -- students with autism can make great strides and become valued members of a student body.Visit www.autismspeaks.org and see what else is new. There are so many wonderful resources, articles, breaking news information and more. Be sure to sign up for E-Speaks, the Autism Speaks electronic newsletter.

Walk for Autism

From Autism Speaks:

Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Sunday - September 21, 2008Colt State Park - Bristol, RI

Walk Information: Our walk this year will be on Sunday September 21, 2008. Registration will be at 9:30am and the walk at 11am. We are excited to announce that our walk site this year has changed to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI. For more information please go to http://www.riparks.com/colt.htm. The walk will be 1.5 miles.


New Hampshire Walk Now for Autism Sunday - October 5, 2008Greeley Park - Nashua, NH

Walk Information Our walk this year will be on Sunday October 5, 2008. Registration will be at 10:00am and the walk at 11am. Our walk will be held again at Greeley Park in Nashua, NH. We are pleased to announce that our band from last year Steve and Friends will be returning. On walk day there will be face painting, bouncing houses, massage, popcorn, drawings for great pizes, and arts and crafts.

To register for the walk please go to www.walknowforautism.org/nh.
Interested in volunteering on walk day? Please email newhampshire@autismspeaks.org for more information.