A wake turbulence encounter behind a preceding Airbus causes a B737 to temporarily abandon a special noise abatement departure procedure in order to recover.

Narrative

Tower was working hard to clear aircraft ahead of us and around us to ensure we would make our flow time. Another carrier Airbus that was ahead of us had delayed their first takeoff clearance I think because of lack of takeoff data. Finally; they were ready for takeoff . Tower cleared us into position and hold and then for takeoff. I estimate that they were about 1000-1500 ft in the air when we started our takeoff roll. The Captain was established on the 175 heading on the MUSEL departure with the power in the cutback position when he turned on the autopilot. Also; LNAV was engaged and the aircraft centered in the flight director bars before autopilot engagement. Within seconds of engaging the autopilot; the aircraft started rolling moderately fast to the left. The Captain immediately disconnected the autopilot; rolled the aircraft back to wings level; and simultaneously pushed up the thrust levers to regain control of the aircraft. Control was regained quickly; and with both engines operating normally; he reduced power back to the pre-determined limit. Maybe insist on more separation behind Airbus and/or B757 aircraft at SNA even if it causes us to miss a controlled departure time.