Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP) – Washington, DC Will Raise Awareness and Funds for Autism Advocacy and Research on April 25th at the House of Sweden

Washington, DC, February 23, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP) - DC inaugural cocktail reception, “Illuminate DC,” will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at The House of Sweden in Washington, DC. All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Washington, DC and beyond. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 88 children, including 1 in 54 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP) is the budding younger-generation oriented event series that began in New York City in 2009. The mission of AS2YP is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders by volunteering time and talents to increase awareness, raise funds and serve as ambassadors of Autism Speaks. AS2YP groups are growing across the country, with signature events in cities like New York, Chicago, and St. Louis.

“Illuminate DC” is the first AS2YP event in the Washington, DC area. It will feature an evening filled with hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks, music and a beautiful spring night overlooking the Potomac River from Anna Lindh Hall in the House of Sweden. Special thanks to the Embassy of Sweden for their generous hospitality to make this event possible.

Tickets may be purchased online at: http://events.autismspeaks.org/as2ypilluminatedc. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well. For more information on “Illuminate DC” and AS2YP, please call Christina Markish at (202) 955-3111 or email christina.markish@autismspeaks.org.

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.