Celebs who are passionate about autism

AUTISM ADVOCATES

In the U.S., over three million people suffer from autism and that number is expected to grow. Luckily, there are familiar faces on the front lines promoting education and giving guidance to the public. Global Autism Awareness wants to shine a light on celebrities who have become dedicated autism advocates.

Holly Robinson Peete

Actress and TV personality Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney are the founders of the HollyRod Foundation. Created in 1997, the non-profit strives to provide a better quality of life for individuals with autism and Parkinson's disease. For the Peete's, both conditions hit close to home. Their son Rodney Jr. was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, and Holly's father Matthew was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 46. If you'd like to learn more about their organization please visit HollyRod's official site.

                                                                                           

Toni Braxton

Ever since Toni Braxton's youngest son Diezel was diagnosed with autism (at age 3), she's used her celebrity to promote awareness. That's why the singer recently partnered with SheKnows for the Where's the Other Sock campaign. It's an auction that will feature a one-of-a-kind dress (made from celebrity socks) and modeled by Braxton. The proceeds will benefit the charity Autism Speaks. Find out more info by visiting the Where's the Other Sock homepage or watching the video below. Toni Braxton talks autism and SheKnow's Where's the Other Sock campaign: Click Here

                                                                                           

Claire Danes

In 2010, Claire Danes starred in the biopic Temple Grandin, which centered on an autistic woman who revolutionized the humane handling of livestock. The actress won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for playing the title character and used the media coverage to promote awareness. "Autism does exist on a spectrum, there's so many manifestations, every case is particular," says Danes. "You can't generalize. I think autism is more prevalent than anyone knew. It's really important that we know what it is and how to work with it."

                                                                                           

Doug Flutie

Football great Doug Flutie has spent over a decade raising autism awareness. In 2000, he and his wife Laurie created the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. It was named after their son Doug Jr. who has the disorder. The Flutie's foundation is "committed to funding organizations that provide direct services, family support grants, education, advocacy and recreational opportunities" for individuals and families affected by autism. You can learn more at Dougflutiejr.org.

Now that you've discovered these great organizations, don't just sit there, get active!

Sheknows.com  |  Photo credit: WENN/FayesVision/ PNP

Autism Speaks Names Toni Braxton Global Autism Ambassador

On May 21, 2012, in News, by Darrell

On April 3, Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, name Toni Braxton, six-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and star of WE’s Braxton Family Values, Autism Speaks Global Autism Ambassador. Ms. Braxton is the mother of two children, her youngest son Diezel was diagnosed with autism at age three. The appointment was announced by Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright at the organization’s United Nations event celebrating World Autism Awareness Day – “Delivering Answers through Inclusive International Collaboration” – moderated by ABC News Global Affairs Anchor Christiane Amanpour and featuring UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and US Ambassador Susan Rice.

“Through my work with Autism Speaks, I have found a community of fearless, dedicated families and autism experts that I respect and love very much. I am in awe of the caregivers who fight every day to get their children the right autism related services and I am honored to be named Autism Speaks’ Global Autism Ambassador and to lend my voice and experience to help solve this global health crisis.”

Braxton was named Autism Speaks national celebrity spokesperson in 2007, saying that she “became determined to join Autism Speaks in its battle against this devastating disorder when autism became a part of my family’s reality.” Autism Speaks Co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright praised Braxton’s appointment stating, “We are so grateful to Toni for her tireless support of Autism Speaks. As a globally recognized and beloved performer, she is equally respected for her intelligence, wit, honesty and sense of humor she brings to the journey of raising her son Diezel, and her efforts will no doubt raise the profile of autism worldwide.” Braxton’s role as Global Autism Ambassador will help enlighten the world and serve as a voice for thousands of parents struggling to cope with a disorder that, according to new figures released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, affect one in 88 children and one in 54 boys in the U.S. Ms. Braxton joins Yoko Ono as Autism Speaks Global Autism Ambassadors.