Aspies For Freedom

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of AEROSMITH, Roger Daltrey of THE WHO, Robert Plant of LED ZEPPELIN, Tommy Lee and Vince Neil of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Rob Halford of JUDAS PRIEST, Ronnie James Dio, and Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER are among the classic rock legends featured in the first 30-second public service announcement that will be launched on April 1 by VH1 Classic as part of its first-ever pro-social initiative geared towards raising awareness about autism. The announcement of the campaign's launch was made today (March 13) to cable programmers and affiliates at a luncheon during Forum 2007, the Cable Television Public Affairs Association's annual conference.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting one in every 150 children born today. The cause of autism is still unknown and a cure does not exist.

"Autism is such a devastating disorder for so many families, and its rate of prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate," said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager, VH1. "VH1 Classic has dedicated itself to making an impact on autism because many of our viewers are parents who are now dealing with this issue. We've also found over the years that this disorder has touched the lives of many of the artists and musicians that we work with at VH1 Classic."

"Rock Autism" will use the influence of VH1 Classic and its connections with classic rock artists to make a measurable impact in this field by bringing awareness to the facts about autism, and by raising funds for autism organizations.

The campaign will feature both on and off-air components, including public service announcements, VH1 Classic news breaks, and on-air fundraising stunts. The April launch will also include "Pay to Play," a fundraiser where viewers can go online and make a donation in exchange for VH1 Classic playing their favorite classic video. Proceeds from this element will go to The Cure Autism Now Foundation. VH1 Classic previously used "Pay to Play" as a fundraiser after Hurricane Katrina to raise funds for Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian relief organization. This partnership with Mercy Corps was VH1 Classic's first public affairs effort and successfully raised over $150,000 for hurricane relief.

In addition, a website will be created at http://www.rockautism.vh1classic.com where viewers can access information on autism, link to autism organizations, and learn about upcoming fundraising events and auctions in conjunction with the initiative.

Link doesn't function for me.

The site's probably not active yet.

I wonder if CAN is actually more tactful trying to earn money rather than to please desperate (and possibly naive) parents.

Oh no!  Now I have have to write more letters and picket more concerts that are raising funds for CAN.

"VH1 Classic has dedicated itself to making an impact on autism because many of our viewers are parents who are now dealing with this issue."   Read parents..... people with autism are your viewers too Mr Calderone.

We've also found over the years that this disorder has touched the lives of many of the artists and musicians that we work with at VH1 Classic." ---- Like who?  What artists are out there admitting they have autism?  Please speak up.

VH1
VH1 Classic's Rock Autism; Irma Arizmendi Director, VH1 Public
Affairs & Jayan Kalathil, Manager, VH1 Public Affairs

http://www.vh1.com/press/press_contacts/index.jhtml see this website for addresses and contact information.

I am for autism awareness but not the epidemic/cure/scare-parents/autistic-monster-child untruths. Let them know that people with autism are their viewers too. We demand respect.

Why don't you write or email to Mr Calderone yourself about his quote? His email is on the website I listed. You might want to get some help with your grammar and punctuation first before sending it.

I can't help you edit your letter. I am not so good. Someone helped me with my letter on the action against pro-cure section.

Ryuujin Wrote:

M Wrote:

We've also found over the years that this disorder has touched the lives of many of the artists and musicians that we work with at VH1 Classic." ---- Like who? What artists are out there admitting they have autism? Please speak up.

They probably mean relatives, kids etc of artists rather the artists themselve - you know it's a terrible burden when you've got scores of adoring fans and tight schedules and that little brat is getting scared by all the strange people and not being a picture perfect little child for the PR team to plaster all over the headlines Rolleyes

Maybe you are being unfair. Most celebrities want the press to leave their innocent children alone and not have them exploited.

There many talented artists who have autism but few have publically stated it. I wish more would. Also the families of dead artists should speak up.

Samuel Wrote:

Have you posted this for help with grammar and punctuation?

Apart from that they do say we have worked with many artists and musicians whose lives have been touched by autism so I took that too include people like Craig Nicholls and Gary Numan (and they said touched not blighted or poisoned). I agree with your letter mainly but I can see why it's difficult to do something like this with a real positive slant because people might take it as...."Have you heard about these people, I wouldn't worry about'em, they're doing just fine."

"Have you heard about these people, I wouldn't worry about'em, they're doing just fine." That is the crap about people with Asperger's don't have a problem and that everyone thinks we are selfish because people with LFA must need a cure and we are trying to prevent that. I thought I was trying to prevent the abortion treatment for them.

I sent an email to this person VH1 Classic's Rock Autism; Irma Arizmendi, Director of Public Relations and the email came back as undeliverable. Does that mean they rejected it or that the email address has been changed?

Should I mail a letter instead?

It is not a nasty email. I was just thanking them for making people more aware of autism, asking for a positive message and asking them not to support CAN and why.

The money that VH1 classic campaign for autism will be donated to CAN

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/storie...187&EDATE=

important! See the thread in action against cure groups on this. I have all the mailing addresses listed.

Well, the public service ads will start on the network in April. I don't get VH1. Hopefully someone will put them up on youtube so we can see them. Then we can all start writing letters. Some may like to start writing now.

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