1. HOSA National Leadership Conference 2009

2. Who is Autism Speaks – Our Mission At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. Autism Speaks. It's time to listen.

3. What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others

4. Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder- 3 Main Affected Areas ~Communication~ Repetitive speech (echolalia) Inappropriate utterances, comments, laughing Delay or lack of verbal communication ~Social Interaction~ Doesn’t understand the feelings of others Lack of eye contact Lack of reciprocity ~Interests & Attention~ Prefers routine – change can cause extreme distress Little or no appreciation of real dangers Higher tolerance for pain Repetitive movements

5. What does autism look like?

6. How many people have autism? One in 150 people are diagnosed with autism One in 94 boys will are diagnosed with autism A new case is diagnosed every 20 minutes More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, & cancer combined

7. The cost per year of caring for ONE child with autism is over $50,000 How is Autism Speaks helping? Autism Speaks has helped pass insurance reform in 13 states to give families $35,000 a year for autism treatment. Autism Speaks is working on a federal level to insure this benefit for all families affected by autism.

8. HOSA Makes an Impact In Fall 2008- Spring 2009, raised over $100,000 for Autism Speaks with the National Service Project. Your donations provided the equivalent of: –funding for a pilot grant to study the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure of autism spectrum disorders –or 4 Community Grants that serve to build the field of services for individuals with autism and expand the capacity to effectively service this growing community –or 10 Graduate Student research grants –or 2,000 First 100 Days Kits that provide education, support, and guidance for newly diagnosed families

9. How can you and your HOSA Chapter help?

13. Form a team for your local Walk Now for Autism Speaks Organize a school walk Get more involved in Student Initiatives Start a Student Club Start a Buddy Program Join the National Student Council Organize fundraising & awareness events Host Autism Awareness Week at your school Volunteer and earn hours for community service

14. Having Fun with Fundraising Battle of the Bands No bands? –Battle of the Rock Bands –Battle of the Guitar Heroes Bounce for Autism Dollar Drives

15. Autism Awareness Week Ideas Establish a Puzzle Piece Campaign Autism Awareness Buttons Bake Sales Car Washes Raffles Potluck Dinner or Lunch Denim Days or Dress for Success Days Host “A-Thons” –Jump-A-Thons, Swim-A-Thons, Dance-A-Thons

16. Other Awareness Opportunities School and local newspaper articles about HOSA and Autism Speaks HOSA Chapter newsletter articles about autism-related issues and/or Autism Speaks Field trip to a health care facility which provides services to those with developmental disabilities (including autism) Speak to a community group about autism spectrum disorders (utilizing talking points provided by Autism Speaks). Host an activity or party for children with autism at a local school or autism center

17. Social Networking Using status updates and targeted messaging –You can add links to your Walk Now for Autism Speaks or Give Now fundraising pages –We’re working on adding Widgets so that you can share your fundraising progress Fan Pages on Facebook –Photos, videos, and articles Using Twitter to raise awareness for your event

18. Dates to Remember! April 2 World Autism Awareness Day April Autism Awareness Month Walk Dates: www.walknowforautism.org

19. Questions? Shawna Weinheimer (323) 297-4760 StudentClubs@AutismSpeaks.org www.autismspeaks.org www.walknowforautism.org