AEG's Season of Giving Honors Autism Speaks Tomorrow, 12/22

On Saturday, December 22nd, during its annual Season of Giving charitable campaign, AEG is dedicating its holiday efforts to Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Founded in 2005, Autism Speaks 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.

Matthew Asner, Autism Speaks Executive Director for Southern California will appear at the event on Saturday, December 22, 2012, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE is located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif.

AEG's Season of Giving is an initiative designed to raise funds and generate awareness in support of non-profit organizations working on issues of hunger, homelessness and healthcare. During the month of December, a different non-profit organization will be highlighted during a brief program at the Los Angeles Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE.

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 1 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.

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 over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in over 40 countries on 5 continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, visit AutismSpeaks.org.