What is Blues for Autism About?

Blues for Autism - is in it's4th year. The previous years have been truly amazing, exceeding all expectations. For those of you participating for the first time, our purpose is to not only to raise money for the Autism Society of America, but to raise awareness about Autism. Each year we learn so much and hope to share any and all information with as many people in SL that we can.

IMPORTANT: Every linden collected is filtered into the BLUES FOR AUTISM account, held by avatar Blu Waters, and at the end of the fundraiser all funds are given the Autism Society.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the Autism Society estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries; family income levels; lifestyle choices; or educational levels, and can affect any family and any child.

And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Attached is the link for the Autism Society and the Blues For Autism 2010 blog from last year. You can read more there about our fund raising efforts and the great events that bring us all closer in this meaningful cause.

Link to Autism Society
Link to Blues for Autism 2010 and Blues for Autism 2009

We thank you in advance for your interest and support,
Magi McBride - Founder

and the incredible BFA team
Leanna Chaffe
Yordie Sands
Breeze Windrum
Tippy WIngtips
Dillon Janus
Thor Effingham
Takamatsu Soke
Merrymay Lorsgval
Kitten Lytton