Abu Dhabi: New York University Abu Dhabi is taking part in the global campaign ‘Light it up Blue’, and lighting part of the exterior of the campus blue in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
Light it up Blue is a global initiative led by the US-based organisation Autism Speaks, a non-profit organisation that promotes research and awareness of autism. In an effort to involve the broader community throughout the month, NYUAD is also holding a series of events in collaboration with community-based organisations to highlight the need for increased awareness and education on autism, which sees high prevalence rates in the UAE.
Suparna Mathur, Assistant Director of Community Outreach, said, “Lighting our campus blue is a symbol of our contributions to increasing acceptance for children on the autism spectrum. Our efforts this month span from providing educational resources to bringing together parents, educators and volunteers around a shared goal of building a more inclusive community.”
On April 25, the NYUAD Office of Community Outreach and the Abu Dhabi Autism Support Network, a local support network, will host a conference for families and partners of autism, bringing together 40 families touched by autism to hear from Louise McHugh, Lecturer, School of Psychology with the University College Dublin.
