Let’s ‘Light It Up Blue’
to raise autism awareness
To the editor:
We are once again approaching Autism Awareness Month, which is every April. Last April, I was extremely disappointed to see that the city of Presque Isle did nothing to support Autism Awareness.
For those who don’t know what autism and autism spectrum disorders are, they are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development characterized in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non verbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Autism statistics from the U.S. Center for Disease Control identify about 1 in 110 American children on the autism spectrum. Studies have shown that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism in the U.S.
My son is one those 1 in 70. And so it is for him that I find myself once again writing a letter. I am here to ask for awareness — to plead really. Chances are great these days, that each one of us knows someone affected by an autism spectrum disorder. We need to educate each other. We need to support each other. We need to dispel the myths that surround autism spectrum disorders.
“Light It Up Blue,” which is in its third year, is a global initiative from “Autism Speaks” to help raise awareness about autism. Light your house up blue, wear blue to work, light it up blue online, light it up blue at our landmarks and public buildings.
I challenge the Star-Herald readers to participate this year — to light the city … The County blue. Let’s show those affected by autism spectrum disorders our support and understanding!
If anyone would like more information, you can go to the Autism Speaks website or www.lightitupblue.org. Or readers can contact me directly at erinsc3176@maine.rr.com and I’d be willing to help them get information.
Erin Casey
Presque Isle
