Autism Awareness kindles blue through the month of April
Photoshop of Autism day throughout the world
“Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow”
— Fatima Allen
Autism Speaks, an organization that has been around since 2005, has advocated research, awareness, and help to families and children who face autism. Wanting to make the Elder community more aware of autism, I spoke to Fatima Allen, coordinator for the Autism Speaks response team. “Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and thro
ughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support, increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder, and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.”
Autism is a disorder referring to a conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and weaknesses. We now know there is not one autism but many types caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
April is a month dedicated to Autism Awareness. On April 2nd buildings and homes all around the world will light up with a blue color, Fatima added, “Thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings join the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the world to “light blue” in support of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and further support people with autism.”
Many places around the world will light up blue for the special day. Just recently, the New England Patriots announced that they will light up Gillette Stadium blue on April 2nd. If you are looking to see some cool sights and buildings around the world illuminated in blue light then type in the #LightItUpBlue on social media.
I asked Fatima what the goal of the Autism Speaks organization is trying to accomplish over the next ten years.
“Autism Speaks is dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both through direct funding and collaboration; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders; and working toward solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and lifespan through advocacy and support,” she said.
She also continued on to list a few specific goals, like being able to be diagnosed with autism before the age of two and being able to provide help and services for kids who face autism throughout the span of their life.
April 2nd moves toward continued and global acceptance and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. With this we have to remember to show acceptance, patience, and openness towards those who face the challenges of autism. Let’s remember to wear blue on April 2nd and throughout the month of April to show support for those families and kids who have Autism.
