April is US National Autism Awareness Month

Blue is the color chosen to symbolize autism. That is why prominent buildings all over the world were lighted up blue on the eve of April 1 to mark the observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. However, other events are planned for the rest of April. Check out the schedule of events here.

April is also National Autism Awareness Month in the US. According to a statement from US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

During National Autism Awareness Month, we reflect on an urgent public health challenge and rededicate ourselves to addressing the complex needs of people with autism and their families.  Over the last decade, we’ve learned that autism is far more prevalent than we had previously believed, affecting one out of every 110 American children.  While we still have a lot to learn about what causes autism and which treatments can help people with autism thrive, we’re getting closer to finding answers thanks to a historic new investment in autism research.  At the same time, we continue to improve lives by educating health care professionals about how to detect the disorder early, funding networks of providers and parents that spread information about the most promising autism treatments, and helping autistic children get the support they need in school.  We took another step forward last month when President Obama signed a health reform bill that will make it illegal for insurance companies to deny health insurance to people because they have autism.
This month, we recognize the significant challenges that Americans with autism face and rededicate ourselves to these efforts to address them.

Other events which were already took place or are still scheduled for this month are (source: Autism Speaks, the world’s largest science and advocacy organization for autism):