The color blue is making a statement this spring. Not because it’s the hot new shade on your nails or the hue of your newest J.Crew Chinos, but because it represents Autism Speaks, a global organization dedicated to raising awareness and advocacy for the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., Autism. A new study released last week from the Center for Disease Control, stated that one in 68 children are affected by Autism. While there is no medical detection for Autism, boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to receive the diagnosis.
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.” (http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism)
Each year on April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates Light It Up Blue, in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Light It Up Blue is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism. Right here on Hawk Hill, you’ll notice the always-beautiful Barbelin glowing in blue light as you walk home from night class or drive down City Ave. In New York City, the Empire State Building will be lit up blue and in Sydney, Australia the Opera House, too will be giving off a blue glow. In honor of this historic day, iconic landmarks around the globe, including hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges, retail stores and of course, college campuses are among the hundreds of thousands of participants in Light It Up Blue.
Looking for ways to support Autism Awareness this month? There’s plenty for you to do right here on Hawk Hill.
You can start by wearing blue on April 2, 2014 and on any day throughout the month just to show your support! Also, be on the look out for representatives from the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support who will be selling t-shirts in an effort to raise money and awareness on campus. A cupcake decorating contest and “Something Blue” dance are just two more Kinney Center events to be on the look out for this month!
Want to spread the word with a little wrist candy? With purchase of the Autism Awareness Original Bracelet from Pura Vida Bracelets, you’ll be donating one dollar to the Autism Society of America. The mix of yellow, blue, red and green colors represent the fact that no person with Autism is alike. For just five dollars (plus a coupon code offered upon arrival to the site!), how can you pass it up?
Make these statements and more this month and join us in support of Autism Awareness on campus and around the globe!