Lighting It Up Blue: The First Step to Understanding Autism… Maybe

Have you ever found yourself pondering the significance of "Light It Up Blue"? Perhaps not. After all, why would it matter if it doesn't impact your life directly? It's not that you're self-centered (well, maybe just a tad), but let's face it – we all have moments of indifference until something shakes us out of our apathy.

Let me take you back to April 2010, when Autism Speaks decided it was high time to shed some light on the enigmatic realm of autism spectrum disorder. And thus, the "Light It Up Blue" campaign was born. Now, I'll be honest, I was oblivious to this whole blue extravaganza back then. And why should I have cared? It wasn't like it had any bearing on my life... until it did. Fast forward to the moment my child entered the world, and suddenly everything changed. Autism became more than just a word; it became our reality, painting our lives in hues far beyond just blue (though there was certainly plenty of that).

Autism Speaks chose blue for its supposed calming and serene qualities, which I guess makes sense for a condition often associated with sensory overload and meltdowns. And sure, blue may symbolize strength and solidarity, but let's not get carried away – it's not like color can magically solve the complexities of autism, right? But hey, it's a start. Because when you're hit with the news that your child is autistic, after the denial, the arguments, and maybe even a bit of rebellion, the predominant emotion is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of not knowing what the heck you're supposed to do next.

Well, maybe next, you can look at your child and see how exceptional he/she is because it's true. Let me tell you about my exceptional child. He's non-verbal, but let me assure you, he communicates more love with a single look than most people do with a thousand words. Sure, he's not a fan of our noisy existence, but who can blame him? In a world where silence is a luxury, he's a warrior navigating a cacophony of chaos. And yet, despite the clamor, he wakes up daily with a smile plastered on his face, ready to tackle whatever hurdles life throws. In the face of uncertainty, he's a regular superhero. He doesn't need a cape to prove his bravery; his mere existence is a testament to his resilience.

Now, I won't sugarcoat it – this life we live, it's no walk in the park. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, a maze of challenges, and it's anything but easy. But you know what? It's our life. And amidst the chaos and the confusion, there's a beauty in the madness that I wouldn't trade for the world. So, here's to "Light It Up Blue" – a heartfelt attempt to shine a spotlight on autism, even if it sometimes feels like we're fumbling around in the dark. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll be bathed in a rainbow of understanding and acceptance. But until then, let's keep shining, one blue light at a time.

Make it Possible!