Rosenthal Automotive Group Launches Autism Acceptance Month Promotion

The Rosenthal Automotive Group is running a promotion during Autism Acceptance Month in April that will benefit the local autism community through a donation to the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV). Rosenthal will make a donation for each new or previously owned vehicle sold by its dealerships, with a minimum commitment of $25,000.

It’s the fourth time Rosenthal has run the promotion, and this year’s donation will bring their total contribution to $100,000. This support allows ASNV to continue providing a full range of services, programs and supports to area individuals and families who have been touched by autism, and serving as an advocate on behalf of those it serves. ASNV is planning a variety of activities to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April.

“A number of our customers and employees have been touched by autism, and we see our Autism Acceptance Month promotion as an opportunity to give them a hand by supporting the Autism Society of Northern Virginia,” said Rosenthal President Don Bavely. “We know autism prevalence rates are steadily increasing in the area, and as part of the local business community, we want to do our part to address it.”

Autism is the nation’s fastest-growing intellectual disability, and data released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that one child in 68 is on the spectrum. The growing prevalence rates call attention to the looming surge in the number of adults on the spectrum that will create unprecedented demand for life-long supports and services such as housing, employment, transportation, health care, and opportunities for socializing and recreation. There is currently little in the way of these supports and services in Virginia for autistic adults who have aged out of the school system.

“We applaud Rosenthal’s generosity in support of our families, and how they have recognized the growing needs of those who face the everyday challenges and rewards that are part of the autism experience,” added ASNV President Barbara Wagner. “We encourage people in the local autism community who are considering buying a new or previously owned vehicle to visit a Rosenthal dealership and take a test drive in April, and ask them to tell their friends and family to do the same.”

The Autism Society of Northern Virginia improves the lives of all affected by autism in Northern Virginia autism community through education, advocacy, programs, services, and supports for people of all ages with autism.

The Rosenthal Automotive Group’s participating dealership sponsors are Audi Arlington, BMW of Alexandria, Fairfax Honda/VW/Volvo, Landmark Honda, Hyundai of Chantilly, Rosenthal Jaguar, Rosenthal Land Rover, Jaguar of Chantilly, Land Rover of Chantilly, and Porsche of Arlington.