Autism

It wasn't too hard to find Kevin Connolly among a handful of NHL players at Sutra in Costa Mesa Saturday night. He was the shortest, but he was also the most prominent celebrity during a charity benefit for Talk About Curing Autism. The actor, best known for his work as Eric "E" Murphy on Entourage, was very personable and cooperative during a pre-event reception for the inaugural Ryan Getzlaf Golf Shootout. But then again there wasn't that much media to deal with at the event.

An autism fundraiser Saturday night raised more than $170,000 for four charities and the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. "An Evening for Autism" drew more than 600 community members, athletes, celebrities, politicians and business leaders for a tropical-themed party in the home of Barry Saywitz, president of the Saywitz Co., a Newport Beach real estate brokerage and consulting firm. Saywitz's 7-year-old son was diagnosed with autism at 2 and has graduated from an autism program that will allow him to take classes with "typical" children who have not been diagnosed with the syndrome.

Not making eye contact, focusing on toys with lights or spinning wheels — these were warning signs for Barry Saywitz's family. Saywitz's son Ryan was diagnosed with autism at age 2, but it gave his treatment the early start researchers say can make a difference in the childhood development of the 1 in 110 children facing autism spectrum disorders. Ryan, now 7, has graduated from the special-education program and now goes to class with "typical" children, meaning those who do not necessarily have autism.

Editor's note: This corrects the caption of the photo with ACT Today Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, "Young and Restless" actress Kate Linder and author Mara Brown. NEWPORT COAST — Mother's Day was celebrated a little early Monday with the third annual ACT Today!'s Mother's Day fundraiser at the Resort at Pelican Hill. ACT Today! is a nonprofit that provides resources to families affected by autism. Around 200 people gathered at the seaside resort to bid on auction items, listen to speakers and hear country singer Stephanie Quayle in an effort to raise money for autism while celebrating women.

COSTA MESA — Talk About Curing Autism has hired a new chief executive with more than 20 years of nonprofit experience. The Costa Mesa-based nonprofit hired Janine Ingram to replace founder Lisa Ackerman to oversee its national fundraising operation and strategic planning programs. Ackerman, who started the organization in 2000, will stay one with Talk About Curing Autism, a national organization charged with supporting, educating and providing resources to families affected by autism.

Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine was recently awarded "The Possible Dream" grant to fund autism programs. The Festival of Children Foundation, which was founded by Sandy Segerstrom Daniels and the Orange County Register, pay for the program as do community donations. "Pretend City is designed to be the place where Orange County families can take their children during the critical first years of life to increase their 'brain power' and develop essential foundational learning skills," Pam Shambra, museum president, said in a prepared statement.

Joe Zavala calls himself a stump among trees on the football field. The Newport Harbor High freshman is listed at 238 pounds. He's also just 5-foot-6, so the nose guard position on the defensive line fits him well. But even stumps have roots, and Joe Zavala's are so strong. Fans who watch the Sailors' freshman football games will see No. 65 play relentless, never giving up. Yet, very few of those people know the challenges he's overcome. Joe is autistic. He was diagnosed when he was just 2 years old. And, by the way, it defines him less than ever.

ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment) brought together some 150 locals raising a net amount of $40,000 Saturday in Newport Beach. The funds will be directed to military families with autistic children in need of treatment not available through standard government insurance. "The goal of this fundraising campaign is to build public awareness of the unique challenges of the military family impacted by autism and to raise funds for the treatments and services these children urgently need today," said commented Vanessa Showalter, president of the ACT Today!

Five years ago, Justin Marroquin, now 7, was diagnosed with autism, which explained some personality quirks like moodiness, attention and social issues. Like most families in their situation — an estimated 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with disorders on the autism spectrum — his parents, Laura and Jerry Marroquin, at first had to face the shattering possibility that their son would never lead a normal life. Nevertheless, the Marroquins are grateful today. That's because the diagnosis was made early, and helpful treatment soon followed during Justin's core developmental years.