The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that the rates of Autism have risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. To help educate viewers and explain the challenges for individuals with Autism and their families, PIX11 Morning News will be airing a week long initiative to raise awareness with segments airing Monday, April 4^th through Friday, April 8^th at 6:55, 7:15, and 8:15am. 

Segments include:

• AUTISM 101- An in-depth look at Autism and the wide range of the disorder;
• SURFERS HEALING- Surf’s up for a group of Autistic children who use the power of the waves, the sun and beach to keep them connected;
•  NEW JERSEY & AUTISM- New Jersey is leading the charge in programs, research and education for Autism.  The state also has the highest reported cases of Autism in the nation;
•  VACCINATION DEBATE – James Ford explores the debate surrounding the belief that Autism can be linked to vaccinations;
•  KARA MIA- Larry Mendte gives a personal account of a Jersey Shore family with an Autistic child, his 11-year old niece Kara Mia Monichetti;
•  CONNECTING THROUGH COMPUTERS- Debra Alfarone shows how computers can give a voice to kids with Autism who are not communicating;
•  FIRST 100 DAYS – Laurie Dhue explores how Autism is recognized and what the first 100 days are like for families when they learn that their child is Autistic;
•  CUTTING-EDGE THERAPIES FOR AUTISM - Ken Siri and Tony Lyons, the authors of “Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2011-2012” discuss their guide for parents with PIX11’s Dr. Steve Salvatore and Jim Watkins, whose son Liam is Autistic; 
•  THE LOST CHILD – A look at how Autistic children often get lost or wander off, John Muller talks to AWAARE Collaboration, a group of six national non-profit autism organizations whose mission is to prevent autism-related wandering incidents and deaths;
•  10 THINGS- Jim Watkins looks at ten things every Autistic child wishes you knew about them;
•  SIBLINGS SUPPORT- Psychologist Dr. Larry Balter, the author of several books on parenting, and a Professor Emeritus at New York University where he trains child and school psychologists, will address how siblings of autistic children are affected;
•  AUTISM & ADULTS – Andrew Ramos meets a teen from North Brunswick, NJ who is about to be phased out of the programs for kids with autism and a 60-year-old mom and her two 40-year-old autistic sons in the Bronx who are part of the adult contingency who do not have services;
•  PROGRAMS FOR LIFE – A companion segment to Autism & Adults, Tamsen Fadal looks at existing programs for adults with Autism;
•  BUSY BEES – Lisa Mateo visits the “Busy Bee Center for Children with Autism,” a preschool early intervention program for kids with Autism, located at the Bayonne (NJ) Medical Center;
•  “WRETCHES AND JABBERERS” – Directed by Academy Award® winner Gerardine Wurzburg “WRETCHES & JABBERERS” follows two men with autism, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence. PIX11 Morning News will interview the director and the stars of the film.

Plus: PIX11 will be partnering with the New York Mets for AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT CITY FIELD on May 7 (http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/schedule/themedates.jsp)

PIX11 will also be participating in the NEW YORK CITY WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS on June 5^th at the South Street Seaport (http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=447510)  

“With millions of Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder, PIX11 is proud to help educate and inform viewers in a comprehensive way,” said Eric Meyrowitz, PIX11 Vice President/General Manager. 

A resource page for PIX11’s Autism Awareness Week can be found at: www.pix11.com/autismawareness