Light It Up Blue

April 2 is World Autism Day when homes, schools, and buildings all across the globe will "Light It Up Blue" to shine a light on autism. This day has a special meaning for our family as my youngest son has Asperger's Syndrome.  Not to worry: weeAdventure is about family activities, so there won't be a lecture on what it's like to raise a child on the autism spectrum.  But, the first step in understanding autism is raising awareness — so I am asking you to become involved by educating your family and consider participating in an April activity.

Here's why: Kids with Asperger's Syndrome are more likely to be bullied than most other children in schools because they look the same as everyone else, but they act quite different. By teaching your children about autism and acceptance, you can help improve the lives of kids whose lot in life is already pretty challenging.

What could you do as a family?

• Purchase blue light bulbs and light up the exterior of your house blue for April 2 (or the entire month of April). Bulbs can be purchased at places like Home Depot, Party City, or Michael's. Consider asking your neighbors to do the same —can we get all of Ellicott City to turn blue?
• Have your family wear blue clothing on April 2.
• Throw a blue-themed party - consider asking your friends to donate $5 to Autism Speaks.
• This year, dye all your Easter eggs blue.
• Change your Facebook photo or Cover photo to the Autism Speaks logo for April.
• Go to or the to pick up the following:  John Elder Robison's Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian, All Cats Have Asperger's by Kathy Hoopman, and Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder (a lovely book about heroes on the spectrum: Lewis Carroll, Nikola Tesla, Andy Warhol, Albert Einstein, and Dian Fossey).
• Decide to participate in Baltimore's Walk Now for Autism Speaks as a family on October 27, 2012 around M&T Stadium. Start thinking of a team name!

To download pictures or get more ideas, go to the Light It Up Blue Resources website.

Will you join us in?