Blue Lights on Wilbur Cross Signal Autism Awareness

To Husky fans, blue is for UConn. But on April 2 each year, it's about raising awareness of autism around the world.

Blue lights on Wilbur Cross Building signal autism awareness on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Blue lights on Wilbur Cross Building signal autism awareness on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

While Husky fans may be forgiven for thinking the blue lights shining on Wilbur Cross reflect basketball fever during the NCAA tournament, in fact they are part of a global recognition event that aims to boost people’s awareness of those, especially children, who have autism. April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.

University electricians David Gawlak and Joesph Landry install blue lamps at the Wilbur Cross Building to raise awareness of autism. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
University electricians David Gawlak and Joesph Landry install blue lamps at the Wilbur Cross Building to raise awareness of autism. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Autism encompasses a spectrum of disorders, ranging from a profound inability to communicate and mental retardation to relatively mild symptoms in people with very high intellectual ability.

Using data from 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently estimated that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

There is currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development.

For UConn research on autism, see:

 A Better Approach to Diagnosing Autism

How Robots Can Help Children with Autism Learn and Communicate

Researchers Find Possibility of Change in Children Previously Diagnosed with Autism

 When Yawning Isn’t Contagious

Recovery from Autism

Robot Speaks the Language of Kids