CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Tee off on Autism

Published on May 17, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The Mississippi RiverKings hockey club continues their summer celebrity golf circuit with the 2011 Autism Golf Tournament to benefit DeSoto County Schools' Autism Early Intervention Program at The Club at North Creek at 12:45 PM, Thursday, May 19th.

Wayne Bartley, whose son Justin has autism, founded the tournament and organizes it every year. Before the tournament, the organizing committee hosts a lunch and invites not only golfers to sit down and break bread, but also children from the DeSoto County Schools system who fall into the autism spectrum.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has recognized DeSoto County Schools Autism Early Intervention Program as the model for autism education and intervention in Mississippi. The DCS program serves 300 children, and just less than half will attend the golfers' luncheon.

"The main thing I would like for people to take away from this tournament is that a lot of these kids are the same as any neurotypical kid," Bartley said. "These kids may have some special skills, but they are loving even though they are different. Our goal is that the funds that are raised can be put in the hands of professionals who can best figure out how to help them."

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. It is estimated that one in every 110 children (one in 67 boys) is diagnosed with some part of the autism spectrum, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

The cause of autism is unknown. According to Autism Speaks, the more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are probably multiple causes. The best scientific evidence currently available points toward a potential for various combinations of factors causing autism - multiple genetic components that may cause autism on their own or possibly when combined with exposure to as yet undetermined environmental factors. Timing of exposure during the child's development (before, during or after birth) may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder.

A small number of cases can be linked to genetic disorders such as Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, and Angelman's Syndrome, as well as exposure to environmental agents such as infectious ones (maternal rubella or cytomegalovirus) or chemical ones (thalidomide or valproate) during pregnancy.

There is a growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system in autism - both within the body and the brain. Piecemeal evidence over the past 30 years suggests that autism may involve inflammation in the central nervous system. There is also emerging evidence from animal studies that illustrates how the immune system can influence behaviors related to autism.

"Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the country," RiverKings General Manager/Governor Ab Mattice said. "The RiverKings are proud to be able to promote awareness of autism by supporting this event as well as a charity pledge program during the hockey season called Assists for Autism. It's a great cause and we want to help families who are dealing with it."

To donate or volunteer, contact Bartley at 901.550.1351 or BartWB@aol.com .

Season tickets are now on sale for a memorable Mississippi RiverKings 20th Anniversary Season! For more information, call the RiverKings at 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!

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Central Hockey League Stories from May 17, 2011


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