Autism awareness ala Facebook, Twitter

Twitter and Facebook users from over 40 countries across the world commit to shut down social networking on Nov 1.

Twitter and Facebook users from over 40 countries across the world are committing to shut down all means of social networking to support the cause of autism, create awareness about the disorder and raise funds for charity on November 1, 2010.

Celebrities like Steven Seagal, Fran Drescher and Deepak Chopra have joined the Communication Shutdown initiative to support a shutdown of social networks.

The global initiative initiated by the Australian based NGO, AEIOU, aims to encourage a greater understanding of people with autism who find social communication a challenge.

The fundraiser is using social networks themselves to shutdown social networking. Anyone who wishes to participate can donate $5 or more to receive a charity app (CHAPP) which gives donors a shutdown badge to wear online and adds their picture to a global mosaic of supporters beside prominent celebrities. The application will show people a user has decided to shut down via status updates, tweets and profile picture changes

The organisation says the donations will provide much-needed services for people with autism in the donor's respective countries.