Each April 2nd, individuals, businesses, and organizations “Light It Up Blue” in honor of World Autism Awareness Day to help raise autism awareness and honor those with the disorder.
You’re likely to see blue porch lights, blue skyscrapers and bridges, and many other expressions of Light It Up CT support. Landmarks and events across the state will display the color blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day and National Autism Awareness Month throughout April. The public is encouraged to support autism awareness
In Hartford Autism Awareness Day at the Connecticut State Capitol building.
Middletown: Ryan’s Wood Foundation will light their windows with blue lanterns to raise awareness.
Norwalk: The Norwalk Town Green will Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness Day
Rocky Hill: The Rocky Hill Town Hall will be lit up blue as well as Main Street light posts with Light It Up Blue banners and many more Main Street buildings. On April 2, families will meet at the Rocky Hill police station and go on a tour. The kids will get to sit in a jail cell and take some pictures. Then they will go out to the police cruisers where they will have the blue lights on and they will be able to turn the sirens on turn the lights of the car on talk over the megaphone. Everyone will walk downtown to observe it lit up blue.
Simsbury: Simsbury is Lighting Up Blue the Eno Memorial Hall blue on April 2.
Waterbury: on April 2 by Light It Up Blue the Waterbury City Hall and Chase Building, and Holy Land USA cross will be lit blue. The Waterbury Palace Theater will also light up the marquee blue to spread awareness. Superintendent Kathleen Ouellette is allowing the Waterbury elementary and middle school students to wear blue on April 2and spread autism awareness with a special surprise for the school that raises the most funds to Greater Waterbury Walk Now. Gilmartin Elementary School community are having a Walk for Autism Awareness on April 3rd to support their classmate Chase Taylor who is on the autism spectrum and will be walking with his Team Chase and Friends at the Greater Waterbury Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Saturday, May 10 at the Waterbury Library Park.
West Hartford: A number of public schools in West Hartford will be “Lighting it Up Blue” to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders in April. Sstudents and staff dressing in blue on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, decorating the school with autism facts and puzzle piece posters, including autism awareness information as part of morning announcements, and teacher and Media Center let discussions, story readings, and projects. Funds will be raised for the upcoming Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism Speaks , and school Walk Teams will be formed.
Westport: Over 20 businesses along the Post Road in Westport will Light It Up Blue on April 2.
Fairfield Restaurants are helping to spread autism awareness on April 2 by donating a percentage of their food and beverage sales to Autism Speaks!
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders.
- Today, it is estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism.
- An estimated 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.
For resources in Connecticut specifically start with ASRC – Autism Services and Resources Connecticut, and Autism Families CONNECTicut, Inc is dedicated to providing recreational and social activities for families and children living with autism spectrum disorders in CT.
