"Light It Up Blue for Autism" Call for 2 April!

On World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, iconic buildings throughout Turkey will be illuminated in blue light, thanks to the call of Tohum Autism Foundation, Turkey's ambassador since 2009 of the global Light It Up Blue Campaign launched to draw public attention to autism, with support from members of the Lighting Equipment Manufacturers Association (AGİD). People will wear blue and, through the hashtag #autismblueligthtturkey on social media, will share messages about autism to express that they are "aware of autism and stand with them." The prevalence of autism, which will dominate the global agenda throughout April, is increasing at a rapid pace today. While autism diagnosis, a developmental difference present from birth and typically identified within the first three years of life, was made in 1 out of every 2,500 children in 1985, today 1 out of every 54 children born carries the risk of autism.

With Early Diagnosis and Intensive Continuous Education, a Child with Autism Can Be Born Anew!

Autism, characterized by a child's inability to establish adequate social relationships with their environment, displaying marked developmental problems in language and communication, and having obsessive behavioral patterns, currently has only one known remedy: early diagnosis combined with intensive, continuous specialized education. Scientific research shows that children receiving intensive education with early diagnosis and proper educational methods can control autism symptoms in approximately fifty percent of cases, achieve development, and some children with autism show no difference from their peers by adolescence.

On 2 April, Lights Will Shine for Autism Awareness!

On 2 April Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations to draw public attention amid the rapid increase in autism, in support of the Light It Up Blue Campaign with Tohum Autism Foundation as Turkey's ambassador, numerous structures will be illuminated in blue light in the evening hours, including the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, İzmir Clock Tower, Fairy Tale Castle, the Walls in Diyarbakır, and Amasya Castle. Suat Kardaş, General Director of Tohum Autism Foundation, who issued a call for support for the Light It Up Blue Campaign, stated: "Today, 1 out of every 54 children is born with the risk of autism. Our research titled 'Turkish Public's Perception and Knowledge Level on Autism,' conducted to answer the question 'Where do we stand on autism awareness?', shows how awareness has increased over the years. While the research results are encouraging, we found it critical to increase awareness-raising efforts on the importance of early diagnosis and education regarding autism symptoms. Under these circumstances, it is very important that everyone becomes part of this awareness movement. To support the Light It Up Blue Campaign, you can wear blue on 2 April, share on social media with the #autismblueligthturkey hashtag, and ensure buildings are illuminated with blue light. We invite everyone who wants to be a light for our children and young people with autism to contribute to transforming Turkey's perspective on autism and improving the understanding of individuals with autism by raising autism awareness and supporting the campaign through social media sharing." he said.