There’s so much happening at The Help Group in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month this April.

On April 3^rd, The Help Group once again hosted a Music for Autism concert on the Sherman Oaks campus. Music Director and pianist Ryan Cantwell joined The Help Group stage for the fourth time, and brought a few of the multi-talented cast members of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – currently enjoying a terrific run at The Pantages Theater – along with additional seasoned performers.

The Help Group hosted its 9^th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair on Sunday, April 7^th. This annual, free event is an opportunity for parents and professionals to discover the wonderful resources that Los Angeles has to offer its special needs community, and is open to the public.

Throughout the month, NBC4 will run an autism awareness PSA featuring The Help Group, with morning anchor Daniella Guzman. Additionally, Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti recorded an autism awareness PSA that is currently on The Help Group’s website.

The Help Group once again launched its annual “Learn the Facts: Early Signs of Autism” campaign – with updated information that reflects the CDC’s recent findings. Research has shown that early identification and intensive early intervention can result in significant positive outcomes for many children with autism.

This month, The Help Group is proudly providing local elected officials with materials from its “Learn the Facts: Early Signs of Autism” campaign and a complimentary copy of Faces of Promise: Looking Beyond Autism – a beautifully designed book by Dr. Barbara Firestone, Help Group President & CEO, and Rick Ehrlich, a renowned photographer and physician.

Throughout April, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® will make The Help Group’s “Learn the Facts” brochures available in more 200 participating locations in California. The Help Group has partnered with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® to promote autism awareness for 20 years.

For the 13^thth consecutive year, Gelson’s Markets is hosting a fund-raising campaign in support of The Help Group’s autism programs. Copies of the “Learn the Facts” brochures will be available at 18 Southern California locations, and customers will have the opportunity to donate to The Help Group at store registers.

Our thanks The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and Gelson’s Markets for their ongoing commitment to children with autism and their families.

The brochures are also available online in both English and Spanish. Additional print copies can be requested by calling 877.943.5747 or by emailing info@thehelpgroup.org.