"I used to pray for a purpose…now I have one.  My purpose is to raise awareness for Autism. When Autism entered our family I was devastated!  What is it? Why did this happen? How do we fix it?  It can be a lonely place filled with lost hope and fear.  Through education, understanding and love Autism can be an unexpected gift…just look for the blessing. 

It is my desire to reach families living with Autism and share information with those who are unaware of how prevalent Autism is today.  One in 150 children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder…Early diagnosis and intervention can drastically impact the life of a person with Autism...

There is no cure, there is no definitive explanation of cause…and yet Autism continues to strike.  Autism is speaking loudly… it is time to listen." ~~Patti

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.

The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

Autism Speaks believes that World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of children worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.

For more information on World Autism Awareness Day, visit www.worldautismawarenessday.org.

A wife and mother of four, Patti travels the state as Mrs. South Carolina and Spokesperson for the South Carolina Autism Society and Autism Speaks promoting Autism awareness and early intervention. Most recently, Patti joined Easter Seals as a guest speaker. Patti is an account representative for WRHI 94.3 and Interstate 107.1 where she utilizes her marketing experience to advance commerce throughout York County. Additionally, Patti covers live broadcast remotes as an "on-air" personality. Corporate partnerships include: The Ok Pillow Company, Northwestern Mutual, Simply Skin, Merle Norman, and of course...Berry's Furniture at Manchester! "My favorite place to shop!"

Thank you for visiting! Feel free to explore the entire website, where you will find more information about Autism, and Patti's triumphant story.

Stay tuned for information about the upcoming Mrs. International Pageant that will be held July 18-19, 2008 in Chicago, IL.