You’ll See Blue Lights in Rochester and all Around the World Today

Wondering what all those blue lights mean?Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

People are swapping out their porch lights for blue bulbs as a way to raise awareness. You are encouraged to use the hashtag #LIUB (Light It Up Blue) on social media to share pictures throughout the day.

Chances are most of you know or will know someone with autism.

Over 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. According to the CDC, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68).

President Obama released a statement yesterday on whitehouse.gov. He said, "Today, and every day, let us reach for a future in which no person living on the autism spectrum is limited by anything but the size of their dreams ‑‑ one in which all people have the opportunity to live a life filled with a sense of identity, purpose, and self-determination."

Obama used his Presidential power to proclaim April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. He ended his statement by saying,"I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, and to help shape a world in which all people, including those with autism, are accepted for who they are."

Read the full Presidential Proclamation, here.