Light it Up Blue to support autism awareness in April

While everyone is cooped up at home during the coronavirus shutdown, those who live near downtown Fort Lauderdale can step outside for a new sight: the Bank of America building has a new blue hue in support of National Autism Awareness Month.

The switch was flipped on World Autism Awareness Day April 2 to support Light it Up Blue, the global autism initiative, by using the international color for autism. The blue spotlight will remain on the building at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. most nights during April to raise awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics say 1 in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism every year.

The Dan Marino Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities, also is recognizing April as National Autism Awareness Month with a social media campaign.

The foundation, which was founded in 1992 by former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and his wife Claire after their son Michael’s autism diagnosis, is asking supporters to light their homes or businesses in blue and share it on social media by tagging the Dan Marino Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and using the hashtag #DMFwearsblue.

Visit danmarinofoundation.org/donate to make a donation.

Other ways to support include:

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