This year, on the 2nd of April, we celebrate the ninth annual World Autism Awareness Day! And, if you didn’t know, the whole of April is World Autism Awareness Month, too! We would like to share what’s happening around the world in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day this year.

Autism Speaks in the United States run an annual global campaign called Light It Up Blue (LIUB). This is where thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings join the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the world to “light blue” in support of people living with autism. Aside from that, events, campaigns and programs run globally in support of autism awareness and acceptance.

In Michigan, United States, Boss Baby will be screened in a Emagine Theatre this weekend, dedicated to children and families living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In fact, this theatre screens movies catered to families with autism twice a month!

In Dallas, Chuck E. Cheese is expanding their “Sensory Sensitive Sunday” throughout the nation starting April 2nd. This sensory-sensitive program provides the opportunity for families in the autism community to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s with smaller crowds, dimmed lighting, the show and music turned down or off, and limited appearances of costumed characters two hours before the restaurant opens to the general public.

In Belfast, Ireland, the Belvoir ASD Support group is hosting an Autism Awareness Fun Day. From activities for kids like face painting and sand art, to special appearances by Disney and Superhero characters, it’ll be a day full of fun for families with children with autism.

In Australia, Autism Spectrum Australia is hosting a Walk For Autism from 2nd to 9th of April. On 8th of April, the Taronga Zoo in Sydney will be offering special early entry for guests on the autism spectrum. You can find out more information or register here!

Coming close to home, we at EAP Malaysia are hosting our annual Paint for Autism on the 1st of April! It’s bigger and better this time, and we can’t wait to have everyone be a part of this very significant day. We also have the whole of April planned out with events in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month. Check the video out here, and a detailed list of our events throughout April here.

Wherever you are in the world, let’s join together in celebrating World Autism Awareness Day and World Awareness Month this April by wearing blue, and posting a photo/video on social media and hashtag #lovesomeonewithautism.