April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day, an occasion created to raise awareness for children diagnosed with the autism neurological disorder. ASD is defined as, “a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupations and other areas of functioning.”
Initially began by the, “United Nations General Assembly”, this is the ninth year where people will come together around the globe to fundraise and show their support towards not only accepting difference, but embracing difference. By educating our society, the hope is to expand ideas of inclusion and acceptance across a vast realm of everyday life. Specific sectors consist of education, volunteering and community outreach as a whole.
If you are interested in participating in World Autism Day, there are several ways to celebrate with your family!
- Light It Up Blue! To show your support, many are encouraged to wear the color blue, which is the official color associated with autism. The movement began with the organization, “Autism Speaks” a non-profit whose mission is to provide autism families with resources, guidance and assistance. At Exotic Flowers in Boston, send blue roses to show support.
- Join a fundraising walk with your family and friends and move your way towards creating a higher understanding for the autism community.
- Visit your local library and check out some of the awesome books written about famous autistic people like Temple Grandin or even Albert Einstein who claimed to be on the spectrum, too!
- Go Autism-Friendly for the day! I never knew this but there is actually a list of “autism friendly” businesses in your area, which cater to ALL people’s needs. Just do a quick search using Google and find all of the cool places around your neighborhood, which support our autism community.