Local events to be held for Autism awareness

April is Autism awareness month. Autism is thought to affect 1 out of every 150 children in this country and there are many families living with Autism in Middle Tennessee. Having a loved one with Autism can be difficult at times, and it is good for families to get together to meet, exchange stories, and have a good time. There are several events that will be taking place in the Nashville area that will be both fun and educational for the whole family.

There will be a Walk Now For Autism event on April 25, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 at the North Blvd. Church of Christ. The church is located at 1112 N. Rutherford Blvd in Murfreesboro, TN. At this free event there will be arts and crafts, games for the children, guest speakers, and much more. For more information on this event, visit their website .

There will be a benefit concert for Autism awareness at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN on April 30, 2009. The 8th annual Breaking the Chains Benefit Concert for Autism Awareness will be divided into two concerts with one starting at 6:00 P.M and the other starting at 9:00 P.M. The first concert will be free, but they will be accepting donations for the Autism Association of Middle Tennessee. The later show will cost $10 with the proceeds again going to the Autism Association of Middle Tennessee. You can make reservations and find out more information about this benefit by calling the Bluebird Cafe at 615-383-1461 or on their webstie.

There is also going to be a session called Autism: From Science to Treatment on May 16th from 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. It will be held in Nashville, TN at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. It is sponsored by Autism Speaks and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. You must register for this even by May 8, 2009. You can register on line here. There is free childcare provided, but space is limited.

If you are a friend or family member of a person with Autism, please consider going to one of these events. They will be well worth your time.