Pump It Up and Autism Society of America Launch 'Bounce f...( New Nationwide Event to Raise Awa...),Health

New Nationwide Event to Raise Awareness, Support Families Affected by Autism

BESTHESDA, Md., March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Autism Society of America, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, and Pump It Up, the nation's largest and fastest-growing franchise of giant indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, announced today the launch of "Bounce for Autism" -- a new nationwide, community-based fundraising event that combines family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Autism now affects one in every 150 children in America, and ASA and Pump It Up hope to energize families affected by autism and their friends to raise funds and awareness of autism today.

"Bounce for Autism" will kick off in six U.S. cities in April to celebrate National Autism Awareness Month:

April 1, 2008: Chicago, IL and Elkridge, MD (Baltimore/Washington area);

April 10, 2008: Irvine, CA

April 11, 2008: Beaverton, OR (Portland-area)

April 16, 2008: The Woodlands, TX (Houston area) and Bentonville, AR

The sensory environment at Pump it Up encourages people with autism of all ages to run, jump, laugh and play in an environment where they feel comfortable and accepted -- a rare experience for a child with autism and special needs. "Pump It Up is proud to support such a worthy cause," said Gordon Keil, Pump It Up CEO. "This is our chance to give back to our communities and have fun by helping the Autism Society of America improve the lives of all affected by autism."

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the US economy $90 billion
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