Light It Up Blue For Autism Awareness!

Since April showers bring May flowers, it’s time to be outside in the garden clearing the way for those bulbs to sprout. You can’t beat the fresh air and sunshine this time of year! Speaking of April, check out this month’s national health observances:

• Alcohol Awareness Month
• Cancer Control Month
• Cesarean Awareness Month
• Counseling Awareness Month
• Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Autism Awareness Month
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month
• National Donate Life Month
• National Minority Health Awareness Month
• National Youth Sports Safety Month
• Occupational Therapy Month
• Sports Eye Safety Month
• STD Awareness Month
• Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

This month, I would like to highlight National Autism Awareness Month, although it stretches beyond that national designation. World Autism Day on April 2nd is one of only four official health specific days that the United Nations recognizes. In 2008, autism organizations from around the world got together to aid in the awareness, research, diagnosis and treatment for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome & PDD-NOS). Autism Awareness hits home for me as my daughter is on the spectrum and because of the great efforts of others, she has been able to benefit from social activities, events, structured life skills programs, and supported employment opportunities. On April 2nd, people all over the globe will wear blue and Light It Up to promote autism awareness, acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis. What a wonderful thing!