Video: The Advertising Council and Autism Speaks Launch New PSAs to Raise Awareness...( NEW YORK April 13 /- The Advertis...),Health

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Advertising Council, in partnership with Autism Speaks, announced today the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring professional golfer Ernie Els, and his six year old son, Ben, 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/37797/

Created pro bono by BBDO New York, the new multimedia campaign includes television, radio and print PSAs contrasting the odds Els has overcome on the road to an enormously successful golf career -- highlighted by winning the U.S. Open twice -- 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. These new ads complement recently released PSAs featuring Grammy Award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton and her son Diezel, who is diagnosed with autism.

Ernie Els is a national spokesperson for Autism Speaks. "Autism is a problem that needs our attention," said Els. "Hopefully more people will get involved and we can start identifying what causes autism and what can be done to help it. The earlier children are diagnosed and early intervention begins, the better chance a child has of a brighter future."

"Our collaboration with the Ad Council has raised awareness about autism to remarkable new levels and helped make autism a primary topic of conversation in this country," said Mark Roithmayr, president of Aut
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