This Saturday, April 2nd, is the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to increase the focus on autism internationally with the goal of empowering individuals who experience autism, including recognizing assets,  raising awareness of the developmental challenges faced, and emphasizing early diagnosis and intervention.

Light It Up Blue, a campaign designed by Autism Speaks to “shine a bright light on autism”, is a great way to participate in World Autism Awareness Day during National Autism Awareness Month.  This includes:

• Lighting up buildings (homes as well as businesses) in blue and posting blue signs. This can be a simple as changing porch lights to blue bulbs. Autism Speaks has posted a list of global landmarks that are participating.
• Wearing blue ~ clothing (with a Light It Up Blue logo, a puzzle piece or simply blue!); scarves; stickers; lapel pins, bracelets and other jewelry
• Posting pictures and facts on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter (#LIUB, #AutismAwareness), Instagram and other platforms.
• Share the knowledge: If you know about autism, personally and/or professionally, talk about it. Invite a speaker to events at which they can increase awareness among your colleagues.

Take the time to raise awareness and support all individuals who experience autism!