Don Yute joins efforts to help children with autism

The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation is grabbing on to the power of music in 2012 to aid the cause of raising awareness of Autism needs in Jamaica.

According to a statement from the foundation, with less resources available through the global recession, innovative ways have to be found to meet the needs of the marginalised autistic Jamaican community.

With that in mind, the foundation created 'Autism Splash', a two-day event held in November.

The event was headlined by dancehall legend Don Yute, who donated his star power and status to the groundbreaking health event, set to screen people for autism, a condition that is on the rise in Jamaica.

Once diagnosed, someone with Autism is able to get more health assistance and, importantly, improve the way the disorder is handled.

The Splash, combining music and medical treatment, was funded by the Canadian Investment Development Agency to the tune of $1.2 million and was held at Emancipation Park.

Chung and Don Yute, whose name is Jason Williams, late this year formed a partnership to advance the cause of the Jamaican disabilities community through music and entertainment.

The partnership should progress into 2012.

The two kicked off the collaboration with Don Yute, not just headlining Autism Splash, the brainchild of Chung, but also performing at Autism in Action, another fundraising event for Jamaican autists. Twin of Twins was also headliner at Autism in Action, which was also staged November.

Autism in Action falls in line with the theme of combining health issues with the music business.

Don Yute or Golden Child, is currently on a high in a career of highs ... with a total of seven gold records to his credit.

Don Yute, who has signed on to play Red Paul in the upcoming movie, Hot Steppas, has committed to the Foundation his stardom to help find markets to heighten awareness for the Jamaican Autism cause, as well as helping find resource and financial support.

Hot Steppas has an international cast of well-known stars, including other local heavy hitters such as Marcia Griffiths and Spragga Benz.

Don Yute plays a role where he is a powerful and ruthless Jamaican drug cartel leader.

The movie will see the combined talents of film producer Daniel A Sherkow, as well as producer Kevin Spence, who has to his credit, films such as Bad Boys, Money Train and Scary Movie.

Don Yute and Sean Paul's collaboration, Uptown Slap, has been earmarked for the movie's soundtrack.

It has been confirmed that Sony records is in talks with Don Yute and his team.

Yute has committed his successes for the coming year - to The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation's efforts to develop a much more supportive infrastructure for Jamaican autistic and disabled persons.