Light it up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day

As someone who worked with families affected by Autism, I know how much research and awareness is still needed. So aside from donning blue today, I’m doing what I can to contribute to the second annual Light it Up Blue campaign to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Starting last night…

BY

Cool Mom Team

·

April 2, 2011

As someone who worked with families affected by Autism, I know how much research and awareness is still needed. So aside from donning blue today, I’m doing what I can to contribute to the second annual Light it Up Blue campaign to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.

Starting last night and going all day today, over 500 structures in 120 US cities and 25 countries will be let up blue, including the Empire State Building, the STAPLES Center, even the Sydney Opera House. Awesome, right?

You can participate as well with the free Light It Up Blue app for the iPhone, that allows you to take photos and light them up blue with five different frames. Then you can submit them to the official LightItUpBlue.org photo stream, turn your Twitter avatar blue, or send them to your friends as a friendly reminder. I might just upload mine to my Facebook page.

I love being able to show my support, even if it’s in this very small way. And I especially love how it gets my kids involved too. It’s never too early for that. -Kristen

Download the free Light it Up Blue App at iTunes.com.

apps for kids, apps for parents, autism awareness, iOS apps, photo apps

3 responses to “Light it up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day”

Karianna

Apr 2, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Sigh… Sorry, but I hate this stuff. I know that it is “fun” to turn photos blue and all that, but what does it really have to do with autism? I admit I’m a curmudgeon when it comes to this, but I hate it when neighbors and friends proclaim their “support” with toys, trinkets, buttons, and magnets, but then are horrified when they actually see autistic behavior play out in front of them. That said, the app looks fun, but only because I love the color blue. 🙂 XOXO.

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Cool Mom Picks

Apr 2, 2011 at 3:25 pm

We know you’re not alone Kari. Our point of view is turning your avatar blue is a nice gesture but of course, not enough. It’s a great way to get your twitter/FB friends to ask “hey, what’s that about?” and start a discussion which can lead to some good. But we sure hope people committed to the cause consider other, more profound ways they might make a difference too.

Of all the causes out there (thinking Breast Cancer or AIDS for example) this is one that could probably benefit from more awareness.

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Erin Henderschedt

Apr 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Autism Speaks chose the color blue to represent the cause because more boys are affected than girls. 110 children are diagnosed with autism, but the rate is 1 in 70 for boys. For military children it’s 1 in 88. In my house, it’s 1 in 4. We’ll take the awareness of the light it up blue campaign and hope for action from some of the people who are made aware by it.
Thanks.

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Light it up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day

3 responses to “Light it up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day”

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