Historical buildings, bridges and towers in Turkey will be lit in blue Thursday to raise awareness on World Autism Awareness Day.
The July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge as well as the Galata Tower in Istanbul will be illuminated as a part of the “Light It Up Blue” for the World Autism Awareness Day campaign.
“One in every 59 children in the world is born with the risk of autism, and this figure tends to increase every year,” said the group’s general manager Betul Selcen Ozer. “It is very precious to create awareness of autism.”
Although the reasons are not yet fully known, the incidence of autism has continued to rise, up from one in 2,500 children in 1985.
Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States.
Supporters should wear blue in support of understanding and acceptance of people with autism, she added.
