April, as in every year, kicks off World Autism Month. In addition, the ninth annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd marks the UN sanctioned “Light It Up Blue” worldwide campaign.
World Autism Awareness Day was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health priority. Every year on World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks celebrates its international “Light It Up Blue” campaign, where thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings and homes and communities throughout the world unite to “light blue” in support of people living with autism. Included in these buildings are the World Trade Center of NYC, Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza, the Taipei 101 of Taiwan, and the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in the UK. Niagra Falls will be going blue as well! My office will also share a blue light each day throughout this month in support of those living with autism as well as their loved ones.
Autism Spectrum Disorder consists of these major signs/symptoms:
- Delayed or no speech
- Repetitive or unusual behaviors
- Lack of social skills
- Trouble controlling emotions
- Sensory sensitivity
In order to facilitate awareness, greater understanding, and support of those with autism, many autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and further support people with autism. For example, I will be sharing video tutorials on how Mindfulness meditation can help children and adults with autism improve focus and offset difficult emotions as well as the impact of therapy animals on autism challenges.
For additional information on how you can share support and raise awareness,
visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub. To explore how you can join my efforts in
bringing understanding and compassion to those with autism and their loved
ones, visit http://wwwdrsallynazari.com or http://www.facebook.com/drsallynazari.com
