Jon Stewart Hosts Autism Benefit

Jon Stewart Hosts Autism Benefit

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Moms can raise money for autism--one laugh at a time.

"Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education" will feature comedy's best this weekend in an effort to raise money for autism education. Funny Dad Jon Stewart will be teaming up with Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert on a live Comedy Central special at 8 p.m. on April 13.

Event founder Robert Smigel's (aka Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) son is autistic, and sympathizes with Moms who have a hard time finding good schools for autistic kids, the AP reports.

"It's bleak for a lot of parents," Smigel said. "As hard as it was to have our son diagnosed, it's even harder to imagine the frustration of parents who just can't get what they need for their child."

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I can’t wait to watch this. Thanks for letting me know Momlogic!

- Kim

Posted 04/12/08 05:47 PM

Autism is a truly bewildering experience. They are definitely in their own little world. I have a nephew who is 21 and autistic. His parents are at their wits end. I hope something can be done to prevent this condition. I realize that some autistic citizens are talented artists, but too many, sadly, are completely removed from their families and hover in a world where they are unproductive and listless. God bless everyone who has to cope with this condition.

- JasonGoldtrap

Posted 04/12/08 07:46 PM

I have an autistic child in my life, too. He is 8 years old and I have been his daycare provider since he was born. In fact, I had had a hysterectomy and was in for my 6 weeks check up the day he was born, the day I first held him. He and his older brother, who is not autistic, are in my and my husbands life as though they are our own. This little guy was lucky, since the Early Intervention Services in our area was started when he around 2years old and not speaking a word, but did cuddle and make eye contact. His doctors feel that by the age of twelve, his autism shouldn’t be quite noticeable by people who don’t know him. He will be eligible for services until he is 18, then what? Even recently the Early Intervention Services have been wanting to cut back hours and so forth, but his mom is a warrior for him. She is on the phone almost daily with this service or that service trying to keep what this child needs. She also holds down a full time job. Her husband works out of town through the week and until maybe a year ago was in denial about his sons autism. Their marriage barely survived. And so,to her and all parents of autistic children, you are your children’s heros. I have seen first hand the fight that parents have on their hands to get the help their children need. You will probably hear more from me on this subject. Keep posting and keep fighting for these kids!

- Pam Winters

Posted 04/12/08 09:42 PM