NASCAR's Jamie McMurray to Host Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in Nashville, and Breakfast/Photo Session

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 6 -- The following is being issued by the Autism Society of America:

  WHAT:    The Autism Society of America (ASA), the leading voice and
           resource of the autism community, is hosting its 36th annual
           national conference at the Renaissance Hotel, Nashville, TN.
           NASCAR's Jamie McMurray, who has a niece with autism, and has
           committed himself to raising autism awareness, will appear twice
           during the conference to support autism awareness.

  WHEN:    Driving Autism Awareness, autograph and photo session reception
           Wednesday, July 13, 2005
           7:00pm
           McMurray Breakfast: Thursday, July 14, 2005
           7:30-8:30am

  WHERE:   Renaissance Hotel, 611 Commerce Street
           Nashville, TN 37203

  HOW:     Tickets for the McMurray events may be purchased online at
           http://www.autism-society.org/. To reserve space today or for more
   information, contact Tiffany Gill at 800.328.8476, x124.  Driving
   Autism Awareness tickets are $40/person, $5/child ages 6-12
   (under 5, free); Breakfast tickets are $10/adult, $5/child under
   12.
   
   BACKGROUND:
   
   Autism Society of America (ASA), which is celebrating its 40th
   anniversary, is the leading voice and resource of the autism
   community in education, advocacy, services, research and support.
   The ASA is committed to meaningful participation and self
   determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the
   autism spectrum and their families.  ASA accomplishes its mission
   through close collaboration with 200 chapters, members and
   supporters.
   
   Founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., the Autism Society of
   America (ASA) has grown into the largest grassroots autism
   organization with more than 50,000 members and supporters.
   
   Each year, ASA provides the autism community and general public
   with an opportunity to network with others in the community and
   attend a national event with nearly 100 speakers and experts on
   autism.

   ASA's 36th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders
   ASA at 40: In TUNE with the FUTURE
   July 13 -- 16, 2005 at the Nashville Convention Center
   Nashville, TN
   http://www.autism-society.org/2005conference