Apr. 2 is World Autism Awareness Day across Canada, and some students in Moose Jaw are joining the world in bringing awareness about autism spectrum disorders. The entire month of April is Autism Awareness Month, as declared by the United Nations general assembly.
Cornerstone Christian School will be wearing blue for the Light It Up Blue campaign, which is meant to build understanding and acceptance for those with autism disorders. The campaign encourages people to wear blue and show it off on social media — even some national monuments, such as Niagra Falls, will be lit blue for the occasion.
Inside Out for Autism is a similar campaign taking place in Canada, where participants wear their shirts inside out for a day to raise funds for programs and initiatives that offer support to people with autism disorders. The Inside Out program runs from April until October, and anyone can register to participate on the Autism Canda Inside Out website.
Autism affects 1 in 66 children in Canada, according to a national survey done in 2018, and most diagnoses happen at a fairly young age, although teen and adult diagnoses are not impossible.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder program in Moose Jaw provides support for youth up to 19 years old, including assessments, seasonal programming, and family support. There is also a local Asperger’s support group that meets on the last Monday of every month at the Public Library, organized through the Canadian Mental Health Association by Darrell Downton and Tina Dolcetti.
Additionally, more financial support is being offered through the government’s individualized funding program for children under the age of six, for services that may benefit families the best.
Be sure to wear blue today!
