Royal Oak To Light Up Blue For Autism Awareness Month

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak is going to light up blue for Autism Awareness Month in April. The Judson Center, a nonprofit that annually serves more than 4,000 children, adults and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder, will lead the way with a kickoff for the month on April 2.

Family and friends will gather for the launch 6-7 p.m. on 5th and Washington avenues to enjoy food, refreshments and of course receive a free LED blue light bulb to show their support. The event is free and open to the public.

"We are excited to bring autism to light to downtown Royal Oak and share this moment with our Judson Center families and supporters in the community," said Judson President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster in a press release. "We hope this event encourages awareness, understanding and most importantly, a dialogue that encourages acceptance for people impacted by autism."

The city of Royal Oak and English Gardens partnered with the Judson Center to light up the trees around town in support of Autism Awareness Month. Residents who can’t attend the opening ceremony can go to several locations for their free blue bulb, the official color of autism awareness: The Royal Oak Public Library or any of the three Royal Oak fire stations.

This is the city's second year participating in the national event.

"It was a huge success last year and we expect it to be one this year, because the need for services in Metro Detroit is growing, and so is the need for understanding," Hardy-Foster added. "We want families to know, you are not alone and at the Judson Center, we hear you, see you, and want to help."

Autism is characterized by having difficulties with social interactions, communication and repetitive behavior. According to the Judson Center, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an ASD and there are 50,000 individuals living with ASD in Michigan.

Autism Speaks Light it Up Blue Autism Awareness Celebration at Chicago Children's Museum on April 8, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Autism Speaks)