Apr 2, 2013 - Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into ... International Space Station, are
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH TALKING POINTS Use these talking points to ensure the entire chapter is prepared to answer questions about Autism Awareness Month, Light It Up Blue and Autism Speaks. If ever unsure on how to best answer someone’s question, forward it to your local Autism Speaks staff member, as he/she can provide guidance and resources.
AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, and has grown into the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization.
Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
AUTISM SPEAKS U
Autism Speaks U is a national college program that supports students, faculty members and alumni in their awareness, advocacy and fundraising efforts for Autism Speaks.
There are over 70 Autism Speaks U chapters across the country and hundreds of campuses host events each year for Autism Speaks. To view a list of all Autism Speaks U chapters, visit http://bit.ly/chapterlist.
LIGHT IT UP BLUE 2013
Autism Speaks kicks off the sixth World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month celebration with its fourth Annual Light it Up Blue campaign on April 2, 2013.
Light It Up Blue is a global initiative to celebrate the United Nations (UN) sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day.
On April 2, 2013 for the very first time all seven continents will Light It Up Blue to raise autism awareness.
Currently, more than 7,000 iconic buildings, landmarks, schools/universities, businesses and homes on all 7 continents and 90 countries around the world are shining a blue light on autism.
The Empire State Building in NYC, the Aspen Ski Mountain in Colorado, Niagara Falls in Canada, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Elvis Pressley’s Graceland in Memphis, and even the International Space Station, are among more than 5,000 structures participating in Light It Up Blue this year.
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
On December 18, 2007, the UN General Assembly unanimously designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
The Resolution encouraged UN Members to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society, to promote early diagnosis and early behavioral intervention and acknowledges the high rate of autism in all regions of the world and the consequent development challenges to long term health care, education, training and intervention programs.
Autism affects all people regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geography. In the United States it affects 1 in 88 individuals, and 1 in 54 boys.
