{"id":1713,"date":"2012-10-24T21:18:56","date_gmt":"2012-10-24T21:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=1713"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:20:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T18:20:58","slug":"charities-for-autistic-children-night-of-too-many-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/news\/charities-for-autistic-children-night-of-too-many-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"Charities for Autistic Children: Night of Too Many Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Night<\/a>

Image source: Popwatch.ew.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Celebrities often seem to have the perfect lives (unless, of course, we\u2019re talking about Lindsay Lohan back in court for the umpteenth time). They stalk the red carpet wearing gorgeous clothes, have endorsement deals showered upon them, and take off for luxurious vacations at the drop of a hat. Of course, much of that is careful image branding through skillful market research.<\/a> But not all celebs are self-centered; many of them also have philanthropic aspirations. Recently, a whole lot of stars supported a charity effort to benefit autistic children. Comedy Central put the charity event together. Hosted by Jon Stewart, the event aired on October 21, 2012. This year\u2019s Night of Too Many Stars raised a grand total of at least $3,718,613 (donations are still being accepted via their website<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Cost of Raising Autistic Children<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a study from Autism Speaks<\/a>, the cost of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can range from $1.4 million to $2.3 million over the child\u2019s lifetime. That figure only includes medical, therapeutic, and similar expenses. It does not include the typical costs of raising a child (clothing, food, housing, etc.). One in 88 children in the U.S. is estimated to be affected by ASD, and the total annual cost of autism in the U.S. is estimated to be $137 billion.<\/p>\n

Parents do get some relief in the form of public programs like early intervention and special education, and insurance may cover various needs like speech therapy. But autistic children need more help, and this is why Comedy Central\u2019s Night of Too Many Stars is trying to bridge the gap.<\/p>\n

Night of Too Many Stars Charity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since it began in 2006, Comedy Central\u2019s Night of Too Many Stars has raised over $14 million for autistic children, in collaboration with New York Collaborates for Autism (NYCA). The funds support a range of initiatives for autistic children, including programs, services, and schools for autism. One such organization is called BOOST!<\/p>\n

BOOST! is an afterschool program for autistic children ages 6 to 18. Children learn social and living skills such as self-care and safety. They also have the opportunity to interact with other children while enjoying structured activities and field trips.<\/p>\n