The Help Group to Host West Coast Premiere of Music for Autism's Highly Acclaimed Interactive Concert Series

Free Concert to Bring the Magic of Music to Young People with Autism and their Families

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Help Group and Music for Autism are proud to present the first of a series of four autism-friendly interactive concerts designed for young people with autism and their families.  The first concert, featuring violinists Searmi Parks and Sarah Thornblade of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will take place at The Help Group Autism Center Theater on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 1:00pm and is free of charge.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090413/DC98260LOGO )

Music for Autism offers professionally performed, enriching musical experiences in an environment where individual differences are celebrated.  All shows include "concert time", "conducting time" and "percussion time" with provided instruments.  Concertgoers will be free to leave their seats, to dance and explore the space.

"The performing arts are so beneficial to children with special needs – that's why we're delighted to partner with trailblazing Music for Autism to bring this unique musical experience to Los Angeles," said Dr. Barbara Firestone, Help Group President & CEO.

"We're very excited to expand our reach to the west coast," said Robert Accordino, Co-Founder and U.S. Executive Director of Music for Autism. "The Help Group's leadership in autism education and longstanding commitment to the performing arts make them the perfect partner."

This concert has been generously underwritten by funds raised through Michael Accordino's Los Angeles Marathon Run and by The Help Group.  Reservations are required.  To RSVP, please visit http://www.musicforautism.org/rsvp.php?city=losangeles or call 877-863-7473 x1.

About The Help Group

Founded in 1975, The Help Group serves children, adolescents and young adults with autism and other special needs and is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States. Recognized as a leader in the field, The Help Group offers a wide range of innovative autism spectrum disorders programs. Its four specialized day schools serve 950 students on a daily basis, ages 3 through 22.

www.thehelpgroup.org  ~  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Help-Group/158226797549107

http://twitter.com/thehelpgroup

About Music for Autism

Music for Autism is raising public awareness and enriching lives through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. The concerts held in the United States and United Kingdom feature professional musicians. To ensure equal access for all, every Music for Autism concert is fully subsidized. Families note that the concerts fill a major psychosocial void, enabling them to enjoy enriching activities that are inclusive of children with autism.

www.musicforautism.org  ~  http://www.facebook.com/MusicForAutism

http://twitter.com/musicforautism

SOURCE The Help Group