It's World Autism Awareness Day

Across the globe today and throughout the month of April, people are joining together to bring more awareness to autism, a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 88 children.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and the month of April is considered Autism Awareness Month.

To highlight the importance of being informed, communities will participate in Autism Speaks'second annual Light It Up Blue campaign. More than 1,000 buildings in more than 180 cities and 30 countries will shine bright blue lights in solidarity.

Autism spans a number of degrees, and a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 1 in 88 children are affected. The rate is based on children who were 8 years old in 2008, and it represents a 78 percent increase over 2002.

That same CDC report (based on 2008 data) stated that 601 children were identified on the spectrum of Autism disorders in five Georgia counties: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett. That translates to 1 in 84 children.

Want to know where to see bright blue lights in Georgia, as part of the Light It Up Blue campaign? According to a press release from Autism Speaks, Georgia structures include:

• Alpha Xi Delta at Georgia State University - Atlanta, Ga.
• Alpha Xi Delta at Georgia Tech - Atlanta, Ga.
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel - Atlanta, Ga.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (largest dinosaur exhibit in the world will light blue) - Atlanta, Ga.
• Fox Theatre marquee - Atlanta, Ga.
• Georgia State University - Atlanta, Ga.
• Kennedy Krieger Institute - Atlanta, Ga.
• Marcus Autism Center - Atlanta, Ga.
• Metropolis Condominium - Atlanta, Ga.
• Sweet Auburn Bread - Atlanta, Ga.
• Viewpoint Condominium - Atlanta, Ga.
• YEAH! Burger - Atlanta, Ga.
• Alpha Xi Delta at University of West Georgia - Carrollton, Ga.
• City of Douglasville - Douglasville, Ga.
• Douglasville Public Safety and Municipal Court Building - Douglasville, Ga.
• Freedom Island Gateway - Douglasville, Ga.
• O'Neall Plaza Fountain - Douglasville, Ga.
• Alpha Xi Delta at Southern Polytechnic State University - Marietta, Ga.
• Band Shell, Forsyth Park - Savannah, Ga.

Do you plan to showcase blue today and throughout the month of April? If so, upload pictures of your blue lights, blue attire or community work to Patch.

Just click the "upload photos and video" camera button in the image section to the right of this article.