Larry King, the famous American radio and television host, will be acknowledged for his immense contribution in the advocacy of autism on the 11th of November 2017 at the D.R.E.A.M gala 2017 of Autism Movement Therapy.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name given to a group of similar neurodevelopmental conditions that impact the nervous system. The disorder impairs social and communication skills and is characterized by repetitive behavior.
‘Autism’ was first used by a Swiss psychiatrist known as Eugen Bleuler in the year 1911. He used this term while referring to a few symptoms of schizophrenia. From 1940 onwards, researchers from the United States of America started observing children with social and emotional issues and diagnosed them as autistic cases.
Although incidents of the disorder have been rising ever since the lack of public awareness is still alarming. This, in turn, results in an incorrect understanding of the disorder thereby causing social stigma for people suffering from autism. In order to create a better platform for care and treatment of these patients, many individuals have been championing the cause of autism awareness.
Larry King’s Role in Raising Autism Awareness:
Larry King, the famed American television and radio host, has always used his shows as a platform for discussing subjects that affect mankind. He has often spoken about autism and kept the topic relevant through his show ‘Larry King Live’ and more recently on the ‘Larry King Now’ show. As part of his humanitarian work, he established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in the year 1998. His efforts towards the cause of autism have brought in remarkable results with donations of $150,000/- being raised last year alone! In order to acknowledge his immense contribution in the advocacy of this largely misunderstood disorder, the Autism Movement Therapy will be honoring him for his pioneering efforts.
Autism Movement Therapy, Inc (AMT) is a nonprofit organization, focused on serving the autism and special needs community. AMT will be organizing the D.R.E.A.M gala 2017 event at The Montage, Beverly Hills. Incidentally, the event will be hosted on Saturday 11th of November 2017, which will also mark Larry King’s 84th birthday. The gala is set to be star-studded with celebrities like Seth Gordan, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd, Lyn and Norman Lear, Carl Reiner, D.L. Hughley, Chris Hardwick, and Holly Robinson Peete being a part of the event committee. Celebrated artist Joe Anthony Mantegna also will be sharing the stage to recognize humanitarian efforts of the honorees.
Apart from Larry King, the event would acknowledge and honor Timothy Sykes (American stock trader and entrepreneur), Laura San Giacomo (Italian American actress) and Dr. Temple Grandin (American professor) for their philanthropic work and immense contribution towards the awareness of autism.
The proceeds from Autism Movement Therapy’s D.R.E.A.M gala 2017 will be directed towards the benefit of the Autism Works Now and Autism Movement Therapy program. The Autism Works Now program assists autistic youth in leading a normal life by helping them find employment.