The local community embraced “Blue Day” on Thursday by dressing up in the colour to demonstrate their support for Autism Cook Islands and its initiatives and programmes.

Autism Cook Islands programme manager Kat Jensen was delighted with the kind donations from businesses, workplaces, government departments and members of the community.

“The support from everyone has been amazing, people stopped by at our booth at the Bus Stop in town to deliver their donations, and four buses of school kids drove by all dressed in blue,” said Jensen.

People still have time to send in their photos dressed in blue over the next few weeks, Jensen added.

The best dressed in blue team will win morning tea and the runner-up group will receive a basket full of hamper goodness.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a life-long development disorder affecting social skills, language and communication skills and flexibility with thinking.

“The term ‘spectrum’ reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.

“Autism has no single, known cause. Signs tend to appear between two - three years of age.

“With early intervention and support we can help them to live a full life, cope with the world around them and build on their strengths,” Jensen said.