County Courthouse Fountain Turns Blue in Observance of Autism Awareness

turned the fountain at the Allegheny County Courthouse blue this week in observance of World Autism Awareness Day. The fountain will remain blue throughout April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

“Allegheny County is proud to show our support for individuals and families who are affected by autism,” said Fitzgerald. “We hope by turning the courthouse fountain blue that we will increase awareness of this complex disorder.”

Fitzgerald also presented Autism Speaks Pittsburgh Chapter Executive Director Rich Mallow and Board of Directors Secretary Patti McCloud with a proclamation declaring April “Autism Awareness Month” in Allegheny County.

On Monday evening, buildings and landmarks throughout the world, including the Empire State Building in New York, Sydney Opera House in Australia and Niagara Falls in Canada, put blue lights on display to call attention to .

Local buildings and organizations are joining the “Light It Up Blue” effort, including the Andy Warhol Museum, BNY Mellon Center, Carnegie Science Center, Fifth Avenue Place, Consol Energy Center, PNC Park, Grant Street Transportation Center, Rivers Casino and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Autism spectrum disorder and autism are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors characterize these disorders, in varying degrees.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination, and attention and physical health issues. Some people with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention statistics identify one in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum—a 1,000 percent increase in prevalence in 40 years.

Studies also show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. An estimated one out of 54 boys is diagnosed with autism in the United States.

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. ASD affects an estimated 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.

To learn more about autism spectrum disorder, visit www.autismspeaks.org

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