Mission Street, City Hall Turning Blue for Autism Awareness Month

How about adding a little color to your front porch for the month of April? 

You may join the South Pasadena PTA Council Special Needs Committee and the City of South Pasadena in observing Autism Awareness month, by swapping out your white porch light for a blue one. The city joins hundreds of other cities around the world taking part in the movement launched by Autism Speaks: Light it Up Blue.

According to South Pasadena business owner Ellen Daigle, folks will light up Mission Street and City Hall with blue lights to highlight awareness for the disorder. The South Pasadena City Council is giving a proclamation at its council meeting on Wednesday to show its support. 

The Centers for Disease Control reports Autism occurs in 1 out of 88 children. One out of 54 are boys. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. There is no cure and it is unclear what causes it. 

Blue light bulbs can be purchased at Home Depot for $1.99, said Daigle, owner of Ellen's Silkscreening. For every bulb sold, Home Depot will give $1 to Autism Speaks. 

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