Fifth Annual Ticket to Ride Brings Big Attention to AutismHarley-Davidson Family Member Featured at Event to Raise Autism Awareness
On May 5, the Autism Society of America (ASA) joined by Adamecs Harley-Davidson and radio celebrities Lex & Terry (formerly of Jacksonville's Rock 105 and now broadcasting from Houston), gathered at Adamecs' new dealership in Jacksonville to participate for the fifth year in a row in Ticket to Ride, a bike ride to raise awareness of and funds for autism.
The ride attracted a dedicated following of ASA supporters and an energized group of Harley-Davidson and other motorcycle riders. A maximum of 750 bikers stretched across five miles of pavement, as they were police-escorted on a two hour ride through the Jacksonville area. Post-event activities featured food by Carrabba's, beverages by Pepsi and a silent auction featuring celebrity memorabilia.
This year, Jim Ball, Ed.D., co-chair of ASA's Panel of Professional Advisors, was on-hand to educate riders about autism--and even hopped on the back of a bike for the two hour ride! A special feature was Jean Davidson--granddaughter of Walter Davidson, one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson--who participated in the ride because autism is near and dear to her heart; she has a grandson with autism.
Ticket to Ride was introduced in 2002 by Missy Lybrand, manager, Adamec Harley-Davidson, and mother of a teenager with autism. Adamec Harley-Davidson, Lex & Terry, Rock105, Venus Swimwear, Carrabba's, Pepsi and a slew of other sponsors return each year for one day of raising autism awareness. One hundred percent of the ride's proceeds benefit ASA and its mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism.
“Ticket to Ride, now in its fifth year, is truly an amazing and inspiring event for the autism community,” said ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman. “The ride began with the power of one person, Missy Lybrand. Her dedication demonstrates the power that one person has, and it’s motivation on an entire community to respond and help those affected by autism. A huge thanks to Missy for her vision, leadership and dedication to autism, and to the ride's many sponsors for their generous support.”

ASA-APSE Conference "Imagine...Everybody Works" Focuses on Adult Employment Associations Partner to Advance Employment for Those with Autism
Over 300 educators, policymakers, parents and professionals attended the ASA-APSE conference "Imagine...Everybody Works" in Columbus, Ohio, May 10 and 11. This conference allowed the two associations to join as partners to advance employment for individuals with autism, helping people engaged in employment for individuals with autism to share information, sharpen their skills and reignite their commitment to the difficult task of advancing employment in their own communities.
The conference provided multiple venues for participants to gain new knowledge based on research and practical experience. Sessions included: Teaching Employment Related Social Skills to Individuals across the Autism Spectrum; Building Possibilities through Self-Employment; Building Employer Relationships; Building Support: Characteristics and Instructional Supports Across Settings; Meeting the Needs of Adults with Challenging Behaviors...and much more!
For more information on APSE, go to http://www.apse.org/.

Special ASA Membership OfferGood Until May 31, 2007!
ASA is improving the lives of all affected by autism, and you can help via a special membership offer for May. Until May 31, 2007, ASA is offering a $20 individual membership (normally $30) .
If you join today, you will receive with your membership: ASA's member magazine the Autism Advocate, a valuable source of information on autism-related issues; privileged access to all of the Autism Advocate back issues on our website; and updates providing exclusive information on how your membership supports autism education, awareness, advocacy and research. But most importantly, you will enable ASA to assist families living with autism TODAY. To take advantage of this offer, visit: www.autism-society.org/special.

Autism Advocate: ASA's Premier Magazine on Autism Spectrum DisordersSports/Recreation-Themed 2nd Edition 2007 in the Works
The Autism Advocate's 1st edition 2007 issue on adult employment continues to be in high demand, with multiple requests coming through for additional copies! We're thrilled that the community is able to use it as an education tool for schools, employers and others. The 2nd edition 2007 issue, focusing on sports and recreation for those with autism, will publish in June before the ASA National Conference in Scottsdale, July 11-14.
The Autism Advocate's Managing Editor, Kate Ranta, is moving on in her editorial career. The magazine will now be helmed by Robin Gurley, who has worked on the magazine on a freelance basis. Well wishes to Kate on her future endeavors, and a warm welcome to Robin! Please contact ASA Director of Communications Marguerite Colston with any questions: mcolston@autism-society.org.
Don't let your friends and family miss out on the Autism Advocate. Forward the link below and get them informed!
Already a member? Go to www.autism-society.org/magazine to read the Autism Advocate online.

Conferences Update
2007 ASA National Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum DisordersJuly 11-14, 2007; Westin Kierland Resort & Spa; Scottsdale, AZ
Join us at the ASA National Conference at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, July 11-14, 2007. Register online at www.autism-society.org/conference!
To reserve your room at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, call 1-800-354-5892 and be sure to tell them you are attending the ASA National Conference to access the $129/night rate. Rooms are going fast...reserve yours today!
At this year's Evening of Champions Gala on Friday, July 13, ASA is pleased to announce that we will be honoring the following individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time and service to the autism community:
Temple GrandinDenise ResnikJim AdamsNATTAPNARPAAM.I.N.D. Institute
Purchase your EOC tickets online when you register for the conference, or onsite at the registration table on Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12. General admission tickets are $85/person (open seating). Reserve this evening after a long day at the conference for some fun, fellowship and dancing. It will be a great evening for all to enjoy!

ASA Announces Candidates for 2007 ASA Board ElectionsGet Info on All Candidates on ASA Website
ASA members in good standing will soon be receiving ballots for the election for ASA's Board of Directors. To see the list of candidate for 2007 and to read the candidates' responses to the candidate questionnaires, visit: www.autism-society.org/candidates.