April 2 Was Autism Awareness Day, But Here’s How You Can Still Get Involved

 

April 2, 2016, was World Autism Awareness Day, and the organization Autism Speaks is sponsoring its annual Light It Up Blue campaign to celebrate. However, even though Autism Awareness Day — along with the entire month of April — is over, you can still show your support for autism awareness, research, and programs for children and adults with autism.

What is Light It Up Blue?

This worldwide campaign recognizes the importance of World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2007. To raise awareness about autism and to celebrate the amazing abilities of those who have been diagnosed with autism, people all over the world wear the color blue and participate in fundraising events.

One of the coolest parts about Light It Up Blue is that every year, for a single night, dozens of famous landmarks across the globe are illuminated in blue light. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to Niagara Falls, the whole world turns blue at night on World Autism Awareness Day — and in the best way possible!

#LIUB
If you didn?t get a chance to see any of these landmarks, you can still help raise awareness for autism by participating on social media using the hashtag #LIUB. Whether you post a selfie wearing blue clothes, or you decked out your house in blue Christmas lights, or you decided to get an awesome blue manicure (like this awesome dad started doing back in 2013), make sure to upload your photos and tag them for everyone to see!

Other Ways To Get Involved This April

If you?re looking for other ways to get involved in the community and raise awareness about autism, there are many more ways to help:

• Find a walk near you and get your friends, family members, and coworkers to form a team. This is excellent for both supporting people with autism and for living a healthy lifestyle.
• Create your own unique fundraising campaign, or donate to one of the many campaigns already started.
• Find out more about initiatives in your state, and contact your local state legislators to talk about how they can do more for those with autism.
• Check out this list of more ways to get involved by making a donation, becoming a corporate partner, or shopping for Light It Up Blue merchandise on the Autism Speaks website.

Autism awareness doesn’t just end in April, though. In addition to participating in the social media campaign and helping with fundraising, you should also look over your short term care insurance coverage to ensure that your loved ones have the support they need. Short term care insurance will help you cover health insurance expenses related to day programs and other types of care that a family member with autism might need. When you’re choosing a health plan, see if short term care insurance is an option for you and your family.

How do you like to get involved with autism awareness and supporting the community? Tell us in the comments below. For more information see this.