April is home to many things: April fools jokes, spring season and flowers blooming, but most importantly, National Autism Awareness Month. This month represents the opportunity to promote autism awareness and acceptance and to recognize all those whom this affects.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder in brain development early on that contains difficulties with social interactions, communication (verbal and nonverbal) and repetitive behaviors. Of course, these disorders can be complex and characterized differently and vary in severity, but autism isn’t something that should go unnoticed.This month is the time to create awareness and accept and understand people you may know who have this disorder. People diagnosed with autism are the same as you and I; they are humans, worthy of respect, love, celebration, time and thoughtfulness.

Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

estimates that about 1 in 68 children have been identified with ASD, and 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. The Awareness Ribbon and puzzle patterns depict the complexity of the autism spectrum, and the wide variety of colors and shapes of the puzzle pieces represent the diversity of people and families living with this condition. Hope is also shown through the bright colors, displaying that people with autism are hopeful to live full lives, able to interact alone and access the support and services to do so.

April 2nd, 2016 was home to the kickoff for "Light It Up Blue for World Autism,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn't continue to wear blue throughout the rest of April to show your support. There are many other events going on during this month, so make sure to keep an eye peeled or seek out opportunities to help celebrate. There are more than 70 million people worldwide that are affected by autism. Recognizing this month and celebrating with the autistic are huge in itself, but a greater action could be to donate to help raise awareness for other 11 months in the year, fund research and provide vital resources for the needs of people with autism.

Use this link and donate today and help celebrate Autism Awareness Month! Go blue!