'Autism Live' Host Has Head Shaved in Tarzana to Raise Awareness

Shannon Penrod, host of the Autism Live show on the Web, had her head shaved Monday morning in Tarzana by actor Mark Christopher Lawrence to draw attention to National Autism Awareness Month.

Lawrence (GLEE, Chuck, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) shaved Penrod's head during the Autism Live webcast at the national office of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 19019 Ventura Blvd.

Penrod's 9-year-old son, Jem, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 after losing approximately 90 percent of his language and social skills. He is currently receiving intensive applied behavior analysis treatment.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Penrod told City News Service. “Yes, it’s daring, but it’s the least I can do during Autism Awareness Month to encourage others to do what they can to help someone in need.”

“I often marvel at the sometimes complete lack of compassion for what my son has gone through and what so many other families dealing with autism are going through," Penrod said. "These moments leave me feeling powerless, and I’ve decided to do something about it.”

One in every 88 children in America is diagnosed with autism, making it more prevalent than juvenile diabetes, pediatric cancer, and childhood AIDS combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.