NES lights up blue for World Autism Awareness Day  

The NES building on Church Street will glow blue on April 2nd in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. 

This year marks the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day. To honor awareness this year, Autism Speaks is focusing on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism and fostering worldwide support. 

The goal of raising awareness around autism is to help create a world in which autistic individuals are fully supported, championed and celebrated. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today. 

You can participate in World Autism Awareness Day in several ways: 

  • Pledge your support to act fearlessly for change for a more accepting and inclusive world for people with autism. 
  • Show your support with your gift. It’s one of the easiest and best ways to support our work and create a more inclusive world. Donate today! 
  • Ask others to join you – engage in a Facebook Fundraiser to give people with autism the opportunity to live their best lives and reach their full potential. 
  • Advocate fearlessly for change. Your voice matters. Show your support for the latest autism legislation and receive the latest updates in autism policies and efforts. 
  • Wear your support with your choice of one-of-a-kind “Fearless for Change” t-shirt designed by autistic artists and caregivers. 

To learn more about autism, click here