Autism Awareness Month Kick-off

1 in 150 children are diagnosed with some form of autism. It's a disease that has grown rapidly in the past couple decades, and there is no real explanation. Some of the increased number of diagnoses can be explained by increased awareness and better screening, but there's something else going on.

The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group was started by a couple determined mothers whose children have been touched by this disease. On Thursday, April 3, they are hosting an Autism Awareness Night at Beauchamp's on the Rail in old Lee's Summit. (I've heard good things about Beauchamp's, and have been wanting to check it out.)

This isn't going to be some awkward, tear-stained event filled with tributes to kids you've never met. You won't be forced to hug anyone. Instead, it's going to be fun and positive, with a bunch of local celebrities like former Kansas City Chiefs Deron Cherry, Kimble Anders and Anthony Davis, Kathy Quinn of FOX 4 News, Matt Stewart of Channel 5, Shawn Sedlacek of the Royals, and the Royals Blue Crew (what's with the fascination with oldschool media and athletes - why not bloggers and wargamers?).

If you don't know anything about autism, this will be a good way of learning a little while having some fun. If you know a lot about autism, come out and support the cause. Beauchamp’s will be donating a portion of the proceeds that night to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City.