By Barbara Gobbi
On April 2nd, people around the world will Light it Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day. This 8th annual event has drawn the attention of millions of people and businesses around the world, all who will shine a blue light on their homes and buildings to acknowledge the millions of children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This complex neurological developmental disorder such as childhood social disorder affects language and communication, social interaction, motor skills, obsessive tendencies, and repetitive actions such as pacing, hand-flapping or rocking, known as “stimming.” Individuals with autism also have sensory issues and are very sensitive to sound, light, smell, taste and touch.
One year ago, the number of children diagnosed with autism was one in 88. Today that number is one in 58. Some people obsess over the cause and the cure. As a mom of a child on the spectrum, I focus on providing him the best resources available so he can be the best version of himself.
While the experts work on finding the cause and the cure, as a mother I will work on building a world where tolerance and acceptance of all people with special needs is the norm. One in which people don’t “Shh” my child when he gets a little too loud. A world where people don’t stare at us and whisper to their friends when my son is having a meltdown. And people don’t tell me that my child is having a “temper tantrum.” Don’t they understand that he is overwhelmed by his surroundings?
On April 2nd, everything from the Sydney Opera House to One World Trade Center will be shining blue lights on their buildings in the #LIUB campaign. My wish is to see Coral Springs and Parkland Light It Up Blue by pledging to try to understand and accept people with autism. If you want to Light It Up Blue at your own home or business, Home Depot is selling blue lightbulbs in support of autism awareness. Post your #LIUB pictures on the Spectator Facebook page and share your support!