by Phillip D. Johnson
On Monday, April 8th, Marvel US Mgmt together with American Apothecary will host a party at the SONY Wonder Technology Lab located at 550 Madison Avenue in New York City from 5pm to 9pm to support the fashion and arts community of New York City in its goal to raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
On display and for purchase, will be a gallery of art by children with autism and artists who have been inspired by autism. A silent auction of items and services will be available for bids. Trunk shows with goods for purchase and 2 runway shows, choreographed by Mexico’s Next Top Model judge and professional photographer, Jo Lance, will feature emerging and established designers. A percentage of all proceeds will go to support the MyGOAL AUTISM organization.
Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Among all the 3-12 year old children in the country, 1% have an autism spectrum disorder. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include Autistic Disorder, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Sleep disturbances can deeply affect anyone, and to the point where they decide to seek out alternative remedies to help conquer this. From incorporating black-out shades in your bedroom, to reading these reviews about CBD oil, (you can read the review here) to learn more about how it can help to provide you with a good quality of sleep, could be one of the things that you wish to try if you or someone you know who has ASD is struggling with their sleep patterns. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. When someone has a disability that hinders them from being able to live independently and to go about tasks that others find easy, they may find it hard to hold a steady job due to these factors. As a result, some people may need to look into finding some own occupation disability insurance quotes to provide them with a source of income so they are able to pay towards the cost of living. Some people who live with autism may decide to go down this route if they are unable to work because of their disability. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means.
Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in the last 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. ASD affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years. There is no established explanation for this continuing increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered.
First and foremost, it is now generally accepted that there is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.
In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of non-genetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.
A growing body of research suggests that a woman can reduce her risk of having a child with autism by taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and/or eating a diet rich in folic acid (at least 600 mcg a day) during the months before and after conception.
Increasingly, researchers are looking at the role of the immune system in autism. MyGoal AUTISM (in addition to so many others such as Autism Speaks) is working to increase awareness and investigation of these and other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism
Marvel US Mgmt, a boutique business management company specializing in brand management, marketing, social media and event design, partnered with American Apothecary, an emerging socially conscious fashion brand, that has participated in many philanthropic opportunities and also boasts a plethora of marketing and event management experience, to establish an annual fundraising event series.
Heart A Cause was created to raise awareness and support for many of the causes close to our hearts. By collaborating with dynamic groups, we will host events to encourage interaction and resources for special needs groups and focus the efforts of the community towards the charity’s goals. The focus for 2013 is Autism Awareness.
MyGOAL Autism is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, which supports families facing Autism. Through education, marriage counseling, and advocacy MyGOAL Autism helps families as they navigate through the complex challenges associated with the journey of autism from diagnoses to recovery or a better quality of life. MyGOAL Autism is in their sixth year of service and continues to enliven their vision to restore lives and families affected by Autism through Education and Empowerment.
Guests at the SONY Wonder Technology Lab will enjoy open bar, juice bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Bartenura Moscato, Texas Arizona Bar & Grill, Post Road Bistro, Drunken Sushi Catering, Cerebellum H2O and Piece of the Puzzle, Inc. The World Famous Celebrity DJ Yoshi, the official DJ for Rutgers Football & Rutgers Basketball presented by Monster Cable Products and Status Vodka will be spinning! The event will be co-hosted by Grammy Award winning music production team, Pop Rocks Records‘, Jeremy Ryan (DJ Connect) and music industry icon, Bad Boy Entertainment‘s own, Vaughn Mack.
Hotel accommodation will be provided by fashion-inspired, MAve Hotel of Indie Hotels & Resorts-a boutique division of Trust Hospitality, who will also be donating a “stay package” to the silent auction.
Confirmed Celebrity guests include Imamu Mayfield, former IBF Cruiser Weight World Champion and current national spokesperson for World Champions Against Bullying (WCAB) and World Boxing Cares (WBC), Rachel Truehart of ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor Pad 3,” NFL player Aaron Beasley of the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and NY Jets, Oxygen’s “Brooklyn 11223” Christie Livoti, Angelina Favuzza and Kelly Linton, Elizabeth Ann of Vh1’s “Tough Love: New Orleans, Shakyra Lashae of VH1’s “You’re Cut Off 2,” VJ of Revenge Magazine and spokesmodel for 50 Cents’ Street King Energy Shots, Miss T.E.E.N. California 2013, Emily Shah, Former Model Universe Champion and Former Bikini Universe Champion, Melissa Cary, “America’s Party DJ,” DJ Jove, Style Network’s & Glam Fairy’s Sharie Manon, Fitness Guru and Award Winning Recording Artist, Marina Kamen, Vh1’s “Big Ang” star, Linda Torres, International Pro-Baller, Haron “H2O” Hargrave, NFL Super Bowl Champion and Founder of the Raheem Brock Foundation, Raheem Brock, and child prodigy supermodel and emerging designer, Diva Davanna.
Presenting Sponsors Marvel US Management, American Apothecary, SONY Wonder Technology Lab and MyGOAL Autism are joined by Official Sponsors Salon Prodigy, Glamma Diva, MAve Hotel, Drunken Sushi Catering, Post Road Bistro, Cerebellum H2O, Bartenura Moscato, Piece of the Puzzle Inc., Texas Arizona Bar & Grill, DJ Yoshi Entertainment, Jo Lance, Why Blue Matters, Absolutely Dazzling, The World Bar, Hospitality Holdings, Freehold Boxing and Fitness, International-HipHop.com, X101.9 Jamz, Jimmy Swagg Inc., Untapped Movement, Serendipity Concierge, 1st Klass Entertainment, Briefkase Productions, Pop Rocks Records and Bad Boy Entertainment with Vaughn Mack Enterprises.
An After Party will be hosted by The World Bar, Hospitality Holdings and Angel’s Playpen at The World Bar from 10 pm to 2 am. RSVP is required to [email protected].
To help Heart A Cause:Autism raise funds for Autism Awareness, visit www.heartacause.com for more info, tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Visit www.mygoalautism.org or call (877) 886-9462 for more information. For more info visit www.heartacause.com. Send all inquiries via email to [email protected] or call (732) 570-9467 or (774) 313-6659.
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