Healthy Kids: Light it Up Blue Campaign

Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Autism Speaks kicks-off Light it Up Blue Campaign on World Autism Awareness Day.  Here to discuss this and more is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul.

World Autism Awareness Day:

Takes place on April 2, 2015 (UN initiative).
Supports > 3 million Americans with ASD.
Global Initiative to raise funds and awareness!
>7000 iconic landmarks / structures in 90 countries will participate!
April is Autism Awareness Month!
4th Annual Campaign
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What is Autism:

Complex developmental brain disorder
Caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Communication difficulties
Social and behavioral challenges
Repetitive behaviors
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

1 in 50 school-aged children are affected (2015 CDC statistic).
1 in 88 children is the Official Government statistic.
Fastest growing serious developmental disability in the US.
Autism has no cure.
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Why this year’s initiative is so important:

Federal Government announced a spending ‘sequester.’
Cuts to vital research and services for autism.
Impacts special education, housing and research.
Average annual cost of autism to a family = $60,000.
Goal is to influence legislators to increase funding.
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5 Ways you can light up blue:

1. Light it up blue – replace indoor and outdoor light bulbs!
2. Wear blue!
3. Post blue!  Especially with social media pages!
4. Support Blue!  Make a donation!
5. Raise awareness with blue!  Tell others about autism!

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