Autism Awareness Month kicked off this week with World Autism Day, which included a Light It Up Blue campaign, a global initiative to raise funds and increase awareness of autism. Iconic structures and landmarks around the world were lit blue in honor of the event, including the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
Many family-friendly, local events in Los Angeles and Southern California are being hosted to recognize Autism Awareness Month, culminating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks on April 20.
- Go Blue or Go Home Picnic: April 7, 12-3pm, Pacific Palisades Recreational Park. Working With Autism, Inc. and The Yogurt Shoppe is co-hosting a fundraising picnic event to raise money on behalf of the 2013 Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Working with Autism is also proudly celebrating 15 successful years of supporting and working with families affected by autism.
- Free Yoga Workshop for Autism: April 7, 2-4pm, Naam Yoga, Los Angeles, Naam Yoga Los Angeles is offering a free workshop for all those affected by Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their caregivers. In this 2-hour workshop, pioneering practical techniques to support the health of those affected by ASD are being introduced that include the use of various breath, movement and sound applications, suitable for everyone. In the second hour of the workshop, we will introduce relaxation and coping tools for parents, family, and other primary caregivers, which facilitate stress relief and offer ways to enhance their relationships and ease the demands of caring for those with ASD.
- Chili's fundraising night: April 10, Chili's Whittier, Come eat at Chili's and support Autism Speaks. Bring this flyer with you so that a portion of sales goes to Autism Speaks.
- Profectum Conference: April 12-14, Pasadena, A 3-day conference and training opportunity featuring national and internationally known clinicians, researchers and leaders active in advancing the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs populations, in addition to providing parent supports.
- Kids Like Me After-School Programs: Classes start April 15, Culver City and Sherman Oaks, The Help Group Kids Like Me programs are created especially for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental challenges. Classes are open to ages 5-18 at both Culver City and Sherman Oaks locations.
- Advance LA Innovate Conference: April 26 and 27, Los Angeles, The Help Group’s second annual Advance LA Conference for parents, professionals, and young adults will bring together experts and innovators from diverse fields to join in exploring the newest thinking on how best to support young people preparing for a successful transition to college, the workforce, and beyond.
- Cal State Fullerton’s 7th Annual General Education/Special Education conference, “Autism, Inclusion and Evidence- Based Practice": April 26 and 27, Brea, Featuring experts in autism spectrum disorders including Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel, University of California, Santa Barbara and Dr. Amanda Boutot, Texas State University.
- Walk Now for Autism Speaks: April 20, Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. You will not only raise funds, but you will become a part of a fun and supportive family-focused community.
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