“Ummeed Child Development Center helps Mumbai Light Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day, 2018″
April 2, 2018 is earmarked by the United Nations as World Autism Awareness Day. This day is part of a global movement to raise awareness regarding Autism and increase understanding about the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and the need for lifetime support for children and families impacted by Autism. On this day 7 continents, 142 countries and 18,602 buildings turn blue as part of the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign initiated by an international organization – Autism Speaks. Do take a few minutes to watch this engaging video clip on the Light It Up Blue campaign 2015
Last year, as part of World Autism Awareness Day, Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai organized an awareness campaign that included iconic Mumbai landmarks such as the Sea Link, Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Opera House, Jaslok Hospital and Cipla House to light up blue on April 2.
This year the campaign is even stronger and we hope to spread awareness on Autism as buildings across the city light up blue. Ummeed has thus far partnered with the following landmarks and buildings to Light It Up Blue on April 2 (given below are the confirmed buildings and monuments, however the list is likely to grow).
- Charkha Sculpture at Cross Maidan
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya (CSMVS) Museum
- Essar House
- Express Towers
- Headquarters: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC Buildings)
- Jaslok Hospital
- Jindal Mansion
- Kalaghoda Statue
- Royal Opera House
- Reliance Foundation Hospital
- SRCC Hospital
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The stunning apparel store JADE on Pedder Road will be curating a blue window display with the messaging for World Autism Awareness Day.
Ummeed’s campaign theme for 2018 is: 1 in 68 children has Autism.
“Identify. Understand. Support.”
About Autism
1 in 68 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder. In fact, more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined, according to Autism Speaks, a US-based advocacy organization.
Autism is the fastest growing neuro-developmental disorder in the world. ‘Neuro’ — because it is related to how the brain functions and ‘developmental’ — as it primarily impacts how a child develops. Autism impacts children’s development in how they speak and understand what is being said to them.
In addition, children with Autism often struggle to form friendships and other social relationships and may have interests or behaviours that are obsessive and repetitive.
However, intervening early through appropriate therapy can change the course of the disorder. Following early intervention, children show progress in their developmental skills and learn how to communicate effectively, form social interactions and regulate themselves better.
About Ummeed Child Development Center
Ummeed, meaning ‘hope’, is a non-profit organization set up in 2001 by Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy with the objective of helping children with developmental disabilities or at high risk for disabilities, reach their maximum potential and be included in society. Ummeed achieves this by working in collaborative teams, creating and following best practices, empowering families, building resources in the community, participating in advocacy as well as working with children and families from all sections of society.
For more than a decade now, Ummeed’s multi-disciplinary team of developmental pediatricians, Autism interventionists, occupational therapists and mental health professionals have worked with thousands of families of children with Autism. Children receive therapy to support their communication, social, play and academic skills while parents are also trained to help their children acquire these skills that may not come easily to them.
