On 2 April, some of Singapore’s iconic structures and buildings such as Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Helix Bridge and National Gallery took part in a campaign to mark World Autism Awareness Day.
Singapore celebrates World Autism Awareness Day
The Light It Up Blue campaign, which involved the buildings to light up in blue, was organised by Autism Network Singapore to raise awareness and engage the community while promoting understanding about the disorder.
Autism is a complex developmental condition that includes impairments in social interaction and communication skills.
This campaign first started in 2010 by America’s leading autism science and advocacy organisation, Autism Speaks with the aim to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day.
The campaign involves cities around the world to light up key landmarks such as concert halls and museums in the colour blue, which is the official colour because of it’s prevalence in the disorder of boys.
What is autism
Autism is a complex developmental condition that includes impairments in social interaction and communication skills. It currently affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 are boys.
There will also be other campaigns in commemoration with World Autism Awareness Day that will be held this month such as carnivals, concerts and art exhibitions.
These campaigns will showcase the abilities of individuals with the condition.
On 9 April, an Autism symposium was held, where caregivers and medical professionals spoke on topics which included the early warning signs of autism spectrum disorder.
News Source: The Straits Times
