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.
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
Robot Speaks the Language of Kids
