Video: The Advertising Council and Autism Speaks Launch New PSAs to Raise Awareness...( Grammy Award-Winning Recording Artist...),Health

Grammy Award-Winning Recording Artist Toni Braxton and Her Son Featured in TV and Radio Ads

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Advertising Council, in partnership with Autism Speaks, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring Grammy award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton and her son, Diezel, designed to raise awareness about autism and to urge parents to learn the early warning signs of this developmental disorder, now diagnosed in one in every 150 children.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/adcouncil/35823/

Created pro bono by BBDO New York, the new multimedia campaign includes television and radio PSAs contrasting the long odds Braxton has overcome on the road to an enormously successful recording career - highlighted by six Grammys and multiple platinum albums - to the startling 1-in-150 odds of having a child with autism. The ads encourage parents to visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn the signs of autism and to find out about early intervention. Early diagnosis and early intervention are critical for children with autism to reach their full potential.

Braxton is a national celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks. Diezel, now five, was diagnosed with autism at age two and a half. "My family and I believe very strongly in the message conveyed in these ads. We've lived it," said Braxton. "All of us - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and family friends to children - must become familiar with the red flags for autism. The earlier children are diagnosed and early intervention begins, the better chance a child has of a brighter future."

"Our partnership with the Ad Council has already resulted in a remarkable increase in
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