Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges.
- An estimated 67 million people around the globe are affected by autism
- 1 in 110 children in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with autism yet it receives less funding than leukemia which affects 1 in 1,200. Funding for leukemia is $277 million. Funding for autism is only $79 million.
- 1 in 70 boys are on the autism spectrum
- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
AUTISM is on the rise…
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY (WAAD) is celebrated on April 2nd annually. This was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world wide knowledge of this crisis and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. WAAD will shine a bright light on iconic buildings all over the world, including Cleveland, Ohio. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Terminal Tower, and the Browns Stadium will be participating this year. Other prominent buildings around the globe include the Great Buddha in Hyoga Kobe Japan, the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary, the Sydney Opera house in Australia, and Niagara Falls in Canada.
You, too, can participate on April 2nd and through out the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month, to raise awareness about autism.
Ways to participate:
- Simply change your outside white light to BLUE. Home Depot is a sponsor and will be selling BLUE bulbs mid March.
- Wear a puzzle piece pin; you can tell people about autism if they ask.
- Wear BLUE clothing; ask your friends and co-workers to wear BLUE too.
- Light it up Blue and WAAD T-shirts and pins are available on www.lightitupblue.org
- Change your Facebook profile picture to the Light it up Blue logo.
Schools can participate as well. Educate and empower students regarding World Autism Awareness Day. What a great way to provide students the opportunity to learn about autism and to take a role in changing the future. Participation packets with wonderful ideas for ALL to be involved, from restaurants, the media, buildings, retailers, families, and individuals can be found HERE.
Thank you to Nick Fishbach, Mayor of Burton, along with the Burton Chamber of Commerce, and Century Village. With permission, all the outer trees in Burton circle will be decorated with BLUE ribbons along with the trees down main street.
A Balloon Launch will be held at Century Village in Burton on March 31st at 2:00 pm.
I am proud and honored to be part of World Autism Awareness Day. I will be honoring my son, Jason, and ALL those affected by autism.
For more information, or if anyone would like to help hang ribbons, contact me jasons_ma@yahoo.com
Author: Rachel Dannemiller
Rachel is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She is married to Tom and has a son Jason, and a dog named Harley. Rachel and her family are devoted to bringing autism awareness to the community and they are organizing the local Autism Speaks event in Burton this year.