Posted: 8:17 PM Apr 2, 2012
Reporter: James Buechele

Capitol Building Supports Autism Awareness

Tallahassee, FL -- April 2, 2012 --

The people you see in the month of April might not be wearing blue for the Kentucky Wildcats or Kansas Jayhawks. They're probably doing so for Autism Awareness Month.

In 2010, 1 in 110 children were being diagnosed with Autism. Just two years later in 2012, 1 in 88 are diagnosed. Sharon Boyd's 12-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism ten years ago. She says while the public is still learning about the disorder there's still much more to be done.

"It has to be addressed because we have a public health crisis," Boyd said.

The old capitol building in Tallahassee turned blue Monday in order to raise awareness. Many buildings across the country and the world are doing the same thing.

The symbol for autism is actually a jigsaw piece. The reason is because Autism remains a puzzle.

"If you don't know someone with Autism it's very likely that at some point in time you will," said Dr. Lindee Morgan of the FSU Autism Institute.

Morgan says an early diagnosis can go a long way in helping cope with Autism.

"The younger children are identified the more likely we're able to change the course or alter the course of autism for the better."

A 5K/1 mile fun run will be held at Southwood Town Center in Tallahassee on Saturday. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 1 mile walk starting at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds will go towards Autism research.

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