To increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, thousands of landmarks, homes, and businesses in more than 150 countries will ‘Light It Up Blue’ on Monday, April 2, 2018, which marks the start of World Autism Month and Autism Speaks month-long Light It Up Blue campaign.

But what are we hoping to shed a light on this year through this awareness campaign?

The increasing prevalence in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders?  The top things people should know about autism? Early Detection, Signs and Symptoms? Of course, we recognize the importance of educating the world about these topics, but we also see this day and month as a platform for so much more.

Because the reality is, every single day individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders deserve the right to be accepted.  To be included.  To be celebrated. 

We look to this day and month to encourage people and communities across the world to take time to learn about the breadth of what autism can ‘look’ like, to understand that Autism Spectrum Disorders look different for every individual and family, to pause before passing a judgement on someone who may look or act differently, and to act with empathy and kindness.

We see this day and month as opportunity to educate our communities on ways we can and should embrace, appreciate, and celebrate the unique contributions each individual brings to our world. We see this day and month as opportunity to remind our future leaders and advocates that kids with autism grow into adults with autism, and we have a societal responsibility to care for and include this growing adult population in the community, in the workplace, and in our world.

While the world will be shining a light on autism in celebration of Autism Awareness Day, we decided to look around the globe and in our city to shine a light on some of the initiatives and opportunities taking place to advance our collective efforts of bringing greater awareness, greater inclusion, and greater appreciation for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Today, this month and always, we at the Seattle Children’s Autism Center and Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center celebrate Autism Awareness, Inclusion, and Acceptance.

Around the Globe

  • The 2018 World Autism Awareness Day observance at United Nations Headquarters New York will focus on the importance of empowering women and girls with autism and involving them and their representative organizations in policy and decision making to address these challenges.
  • Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., is hoping to change that by offering a sensory-friendly opportunity to visit the park on May 3. Park officials are billing Autism Day as the first sensory-friendly event planned at a major U.S. amusement park.
  • NBA makes space for fans with autism spectrum disorder.  A “sensory room” designed for children with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities will open at Salt Lake City’s Vivint Smart Home Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, on Friday. The event will be a feature of Autism Awareness Night at the venue.

In Seattle