Britney Spears makes public appearance at Jenny McCarthy?s autism fundraiser

Britney Spears was seen out on Saturday at a fundraiser for autism charity Generation Rescue, headed by Jenny McCarthy, whose six year old son, Evan, has the disorder. Britney looked cleaned up and happy, and US Weekly reports that "she was clapping and smiling a lot" at the event. People.com notes that she didn't socialize much and stayed with her assistant but that she seemed interested in the presentations.

The event was held at McCarthy and her boyfriend Jim Carrey's home in Brentwood and was sponsored by Snow Queen Vodka. Also present were Charlie Sheen and his new wife Brooke Mueller, and Rose McGowan and her boyfriend Robert Rodriguez. Rodriguez and McGowan are said to have "kissed and danced all night," so the reports of their breakup were either premature or they've reconciled.

Generation Rescue believes that autism is preventable and reversible. To prevent the disorder they recommend delaying childhood vaccines along with an alternate vaccine schedule. Their website notes that the current CDC vaccine schedule represents an increase in vaccines of 260% since 1983. They are not recommending not vaccinating children, but say that a more prudent approach may prevent autism. Scientific studies have not found a definite connection between autism and childhood vaccinations although many parents claim that their child developed the disorder right after being given vaccines. Some say that the influence of the drugs companies and a concern for public health have led to a suppression of research.

According to the group, neurological disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Asperger's, and Autism "are environmental illnesses caused by an overload of heavy metals, live viruses, and bacteria." The recommended treatment is "biomedical" and aimed at reducing the toxic load on the body in part through an all natural diet and supplements. Many parents swear by it, but others say it's unproven and is not a cure-all.

Britney has sons Sean Preston, who turns three in September, and Jayden James, who will be two in September. Last week she ceded full custody to her ex husband, Kevin Federline. She has two visits a week from the boys and one overnight and it is thought that if she continues to show progress she could move to another overnight and one more day per week.