April is being observed as Autism Awareness Month to foster understanding and acceptance for persons with autism. On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, King’s House joined landmarks and monuments around the world to Light It Up Blue. Each night the main building will be bathed in blue lights and will remain this way for the rest of the month as our gesture toward the observance of the Month. Other landmarks around the world which will turn blue in support of the cause include Niagara Falls, the United Nations, the Empire State Building, and the White House.
Autism, which is a brain disorder, is more prevalent in boys than girls and it is estimated that one in every 68 children born in Jamaica has autism. The main causes of autism in Jamaica are heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and having children late in life. The Jamaica Autism Support Association is the body that provides support for families.