LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM

LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM

 APRIL 2, 2011

  Today is not my usual type of post because there is nothing funny about Autism.

On the evenings of April 1 and 2, 2011, prominent buildings across North America and the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada — will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2.

" Be the change you wish to see in the world"

 -Mahatma Gandhi

What does this mean?

Well it depends on whom you are talking to. Some might extract the definition that they have to rearrange their daily tasks to be more health- conscious or earth friendly. Others may pick up the implication that they need to do something big to change the way contrasting commonalities think; religion or political affiliation is a reoccurring exemplar. However, a vast majority seem to overlook Gandhi's simplistic meaning because of the constant need of a "deeper meaning." The immensity of the deed is not relevant in order to fabricate an influential chain of reactions.

Autism affects 1 in every 110 children. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S and tens of millions worldwide are affected by Autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate is increasing 10-17 percent annually.

My nephew has autism, and is positioned on the severe end of the spectrum. Autism, at a glance, is associated with impaired speech, social skills, communication, and motor movement originating from a nervous system disorder. For a more visual overview, picture a human brain as a puzzle. Each puzzle piece is absolutely necessary for the whole to function properly. With Autism, one or several puzzle pieces are missing, exerting the one individual out of 110, to see the world in a different light. There is no known cure, which is why organizations like Autism Speaks provide support for children and families as they grow and ultimately investigate a solution to the disability.

It's easy to participate. You can help support Autism Awareness day by wearing blue clothing, light up your house with blue lights, post an article in blue on your blog, change your profile picture to the Light it up Blue logo. Be creative! Be Blue!

Please join me by taking the pledge to LIGHT IT UP BLUE at: http://www.lightitupblue.org/
or
Click on the Autism Speaks  banner at the  top of the page.


If you light it up blue for Autism Speaks and put the Autism Speaks banner on your blog drop me a note and I will mention your blog in my next post.
If you make a donation at http://blue.autismspeaks.org/mysite/glynis I will mention you on my next post.


To read one  brave women's story please go to 
http://www.oneblondesramblings.com/2011/03/autism-hasnt-beaten-me/

For more information on Autism visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

I would like to thank my daughter Haley for being a contributing writer and letting me see the world through her eyes.