Center for Autism and Related Disorders Celebrates 20 Years with a Star-Studded, Red Carpet Gala on September 25, 2010

    LOS ANGELES, CA, September 30, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), the world's largest autism treatment center, announces success with its 20th Anniversary Gala, celebrating 20 years of leading the way in the effective treatment of autism. The event, benefiting ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today), was held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel, 607 S. Park View Street, in Los Angeles.

One in 110 children is diagnosed with autism in America. The neurological disorder is more prevalent than pediatric cancer, juvenile diabetes and AIDS combined. "Autism is a global issue that challenges the very fiber of humanity," says Grammy winner Macy Gray, who performed a mini-concert at the gala's post party. "As a mother and artist, I support families and communities struggling to secure treatment while preserving dignity. I support CARD and ACT Today! for making therapies available to those who lack the financial means."

"This star-studded, charity event drew 500 supporters including community leaders, leading autism researchers and therapists from around the nation, children who have recovered from autism through CARD's treatment programs; as well as celebrities from film, television, and sports," says Event Producer Daphne Plump.

Guests who walked the red carpet included: Macy Gray (Grammy-winning artist), Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh (world-renowned autism expert), Emmy winner Archie Panjabi ("The Good Wife"), Actor Max Burkholder (Emmy-nominated show "Parenthood"), Dr. Jim Sears ("The Doctors" talk show), Tila Tequila (reality star), actress Ariel Winters ("Modern Family), Kyle Massey ("Dancing With the Stars"), actress Lorraine Toussaint ("Saving Grace"), actor Barry Shabaka Henley ("Flash Forward), Taylor Armstrong ("Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Won-G (International Rap Artist), actor C.S. Lee ("Dexter"), Janna (recovered from autism), Brett (recovered from autism), 2 U Neek (Disney stars), The Miracle Project kids ("Autism: the Miracle"), Actress Amanda Schull ("Pretty Little Liars"), as well as experts in the field of autism.

Featured at the Gala event are a silent auction and reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner program with special tribute to Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh for her illustrious career in the field of autism, which spans over 30 years. A post dinner party followed with a mini-concert by Macy Gray and live entertainment provided by DJ Crash.

"When I began my career, in the mid-80's, the incidence rate of autism was 1 in 10,000. Today, it's 1 in 100 children," says Dr. Granpeesheh. "This is a crisis that deserves our attention and resources. Autism is treatable and recovery is possible with the right services. This is why I started CARD and that is what keeps me going."

"I was told to institutionalize my son when he was diagnosed with autism at the age of three," said Bryce Miler, mother to former CARD client, Brett. Brett, who spoke at the 20th Anniversary Gala, was treated by CARD from 1994 to 1999, recovered and is now studying psychology at Moorpark College. "Thank goodness I found CARD back then. They worked miracles with my son and so many other children."

"Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh is a true pioneer in the field of autism. She has provided hope to families living with autism around the world. Her passion, vision and commitment have made a difference for generations to come," says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, Executive Director of Autism Care and Treatment Today! (ACT Today!).

Gala Honorary Committee Members include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Kelsey Grammer, Howie Mandel, Joe Mantegna, Camryn Manheim, Jane Kaczmarek, Ken and Linda Howard, Annette O'Toole, John Salley, the Dixie Chicks, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Jerry Penacoli, John Mendoza, Charles Downes, Leeza Gibbons, Ron Masak, Leven Rambin, Tom Bergeron, and Mariel Hemingway.

Right sidebar photos courtesy of Kevin Lubera.

About Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D:
Dr. Granpeesheh has dedicated over thirty years to helping individuals with autism lead healthy, productive lives. Dr. Granpeesheh is licensed by the Medical Board of California, the Texas, Virginia and Arizona State Boards of Psychologists, and the Dubai Healthcare City. She earned a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is an active member of many boards whose mission is to advance the treatment of autism. She is on the Scientific Advisory Boards of the Autism File Magazine, Autism 360 and the 4A Healing Foundation. Dr. Granpeesheh is on the Practice Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, the Board of Directors of InCept and is a member of the Autism Human Rights and Discrimination Initiative steering committee, the North Los Angeles County Task Force of the Senate Select Committee on Autism, and the Oversight Committee of the Department of Developmental Disabilities for the State of Arizona. She also is the founding member and President of Autism Care and Treatment Today (ACT Today!), a nonprofit organization that helps families access effective treatment. Dr. Granpeesheh is known throughout the world as an expert in the field of autism research and treatment. Specific areas of expertise and research include curriculum development from early intervention through the early stages of adulthood, diagnostic, developmental and behavioral assessment, higher order skill acquisition, long-term outcomes, and the effects of medical interventions in conjunction with behavioral programs. She has trained thousands of professionals and families on her treatment techniques and curriculum, leading to a faster dissemination of quality treatment information. Dr. Granpeesheh has not only helped tens of thousands of families, but has successfully helped many children and young adults attain their highest potential, giving further merit to the notion that autism is treatable and that affected individuals can lead independent, meaningful lives.

About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.:
CARD, Inc., headquartered in Tarzana, California is one of the world's leading autism treatment organizations effectively treating children with autism and related disorders. CARD follows the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a treatment for autism that has been thoroughly researched and empirically validated by the scientific community. CARD develops individualized treatment plans that lead to success and even recovery. CARD operates through 22 satellite national and international offices. CARD has treated thousands of children around the world. Its services include assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training and one-on-one behavioral therapy. For more information about CARD, visit www.centerforautism.com.

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