Hicksville-based Spectrum Magazine, the only national lifestyle publication targeting issues pertaining to families affected by autism, recently honored three individuals and a national organization for their efforts and advocacy concerning the growing problem of autism in America. Autism has become a national health crisis and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), now affects one in 166 children in the United States.

Addressing over 200 guests gathered for Spectrum's first annual awards ceremony, Spectrum founder and publisher Evelyn Ain stated, "This is a crucial time in our country as autism has reached epidemic proportions. It is important that we reach out to the American public to raise awareness so that we may be able to find a solution to this national health crisis sooner rather than later." Ain, a resident of Oyster Bay and the mother of Matthew, an autistic child, continued, "It is equally important to acknowledge those organizations and individuals who are leading the charge for autism awareness and research, and we are pleased to single them out at our awards ceremony and thank them for their dedication and tireless efforts."

At the awards ceremony, held at the Garden City Hotel, television and film star Anthony Edwards was recognized for his advocacy on behalf of autism awareness. Edwards, who is also a board member of Cure Autism Now, the nation's pre-eminent autism research and resource organization, was presented with Spectrum's "Individual Leadership Award." "First, I'd like to thank Spectrum for making it acceptable to put middle-aged bald men on the cover of magazines again," joked Edwards. "One day there will be a cure for autism and, hopefully, we can put Spectrum out of business."

New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg was honored with the inaugural Harvey Weisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts in the New York State Legislature on behalf of New Yorkers afflicted with autism and the challenges they face. In turn, Weisenberg presented Ain with a citation from the New York State Assembly recognizing the autism activist for her dedication to helping parents, like herself, find much needed help and resources to properly diagnose and treat children with autism so that they may reach their full potential.

Named Spectrum's Person of the Year was Shelley Hendrix-Reynolds of Baton Rouge, LA, the mother of a boy with autism who founded Unlocking Autism, an organization dedicated to bringing the issues of autism to the forefront of national dialogue through education and legislation and raising funds for biomedical and behavioral research. Unlocking Autism, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also assists parents of newly diagnosed children by providing direction through a parent-to-parent support hotline in an effort to network families across the country.

Los Angeles-based Cure Autism Now was presented with Spectrum's Organizational Leadership Award. Founded by Portia Iversen and Jon Shestack in 1994, the nonprofit organization has committed over $20 million in research, establishing and supporting the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and numerous outreach and awareness activities aimed at families, physicians, governmental officials and the general public.

Keeping with the sentiment of acknowledging those who have made a difference, Cure Autism Now, Walk Now NYC was presented with donations locally from Extreme Realty LLC of Manhattan and the student government of New York Institute of Technology's Old Westbury campus. Donations will go to support the Oct. 1 Walk for Autism at the Bronx Zoo.

"Each of the honorees has opened up their hearts to individuals with autism, contributing a great deal to the cause in some way. Through their support, people are learning to look beyond a person's disabilities and instead, focus on their abilities," concluded Ain.

National in scope, Spectrum Magazine, launched in April 2004 by advocate and mother of a child with autism, Evelyn Ain, focuses on all facets of the autism community and includes news, lifestyle stories, community resources and book reviews. Along with Edwards, the magazine has also highlighted celebrities including actors James Denton, Joe Mantegna and NASCAR's Sadler brothers, Elliott and Hermie. Readership consists of parents, family members, medical professionals and educators. For more information on Spectrum Publications and its magazines, call 933-4050 or visit www.spectrumpublications.com.