Salon to donate day's earnings to autism
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

A local salon is opening its doors on Sunday to help those affected by autism.

Studio H Salon in Calabasas will offer haircutting, eyebrow waxing and makeup services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., April 20. All proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, a national group that raises funding and awareness of autism- prevention, treatment and research.

The effort will help support the salon manager and operator, Rosemary Haas, whose 7-year-old son Jet has autistim. Haas is participating in Walk Now for Autism, a 5K walk to be held on Sat., April 26 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The fundraiser is being sponsored by Autism Speaks. Haas hopes to raise $2,500.

"So many parents' dreams for their children are being shattered by the startling number of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. . . . Parents are blindsided when they learn their beautiful child is now going to face unbearable circumstances as a child who is disabled," Haas said. "For this reason I want to bring the much needed awareness and funding to light for all those soon to learn of their child's handicap and for those who live it every day."

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime, according to the Autism Speaks website, www.autismspeaks.org. One in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

"Most services that are so desperately needed for autistic children are not covered by insurance, leaving parents to struggle to provide their children with a chance at getting therapies to help them talk, socialize and seem typical," Haas said.

Autism costs the nation more than $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade, yet autism receives less research funding than many less prevalent childhood diseases, according to Haas. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

Haas is grateful to the staff at Salon H for supporting her walk and the cause.

Jewels Watson, a stylist at the salon, said, "There is nothing more gratifying than selfless service. Giving from the heart is the greatest joy in life."

The salon is in Gelson's Village at 22247 Mulholland Hwy. in Calabasas. No appointments are necessary. Families are invited.

To make a donation or for information, call the salon at (818) 224-4200.