The Color of Autism Foundation will celebrate World Autism Day on April 2 and National Autism Awareness Month for the entire month of April with fundraising events and donation drives.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurological and developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently estimated that about one in 88 children have been identified with an ASD.

With one in 54 boys identified, the largest increases were found among African American and Hispanic children.

“We can start to overturn these disparities by helping African-Americans with autism reach their full potential and empowering families with information on autism that they can use to advocate services for their child,” said Camille Proctor, founder of The Color of Autism Foundation.

“We are committed to raising public awareness about ASD, empowering families and lessening their isolation,” Proctor said. “We are dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate and effective services to maximize their growth potential.”

The Color of Autism Foundation’s main initiative this year is the completion and distribution of a film with a new perspective on the autism epidemic.

“Screaming in Silence: Autism” is a documentary about the affects of autism on African American families.

Autism is a growing epidemic that has a resonating impact on the school systems, health and human services, judicial system, medical, mental health, therapeutic industry and caregivers in the African American community.

This film follows several everyday African American families across the United States who have children – toddlers to adults – with autism.

Regardless of how unique an autistic individual may be, those who love and care for them have one unified goal – fight to ensure they have the best quality of life.

“Screaming in Silence: Autism” is about awareness, accountability, advocacy and aspiration within the African American community.

The Color of Autism Foundation, founded in 2009, is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia that relies on the donations of individuals. The foundation is committed to educating and assisting African American families with autistic children.

Autism affects children of every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status. African-American children frequently are confronted with late diagnosis or misdiagnosis. The group's goal is to help families identify the warning signs of autism early on.

For more information visit www.thecolorofautism.org .