April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and businesses and homes all around the globe will “light up blue” to show their support. World Autism Awareness Day was agreed on by the United Nations in 2007. It is intended to bring attention to Autism Spectrum Disorder, a pervasive disorder that affects millions around the world, by encouraging businesses and individuals to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention.
Want to know how to get involved? It couldn't be easier! Swap out regular outside lights with blue ones and leave those lights on all night long. All Home Depot stores will start carrying blue LED light bulbs starting March 1st. But you can always purchase blue filters or gels to put on your existing lights. Showing support can be as simple as wearing blue clothing, or blue jewelry. Blue eye shadow and blue nail polish might make a comeback on April 2nd and is a fashion statement with a purpose.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Currently, there is no cure for autism, but with early diagnosis and intensive therapy these children and their families are seeing outcomes that only a few years ago didn't seem possible.
Show your support to the autism community around the world on April 2nd, and remember to “light up blue”!