Rarotonga residents are being asked to “light it up blue” tomorrow in honour of World Autism Awareness Day.

The month of April is recognised as autism awareness month worldwide and Autism Cook Islands has been holding events with aim to foster understanding and acceptance for those with autism.

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

The disorder has no single known cause, and signs tend to appear between the ages of two to three years.

In the past 12 months, 18 new families have registered with Autism Cook Islands.

Tomorrow, schools, organisations, workplaces and sports teams are encouraged to wear anything blue and make a donation towards the Autism Cook Islands community programmes and initiatives.

Families in mandatory isolation due to Covid-19 can also join in the fun, by posting a “Blue day Iso” photo of their household in blue to be in for a chance to win a care package.

If you want to support Autism Cook Islands and their programmes, visit the Autism stall at the bus stop in town located opposite the Cook Islands Police station from 10am to 1pm today and tomorrow from 9am to 3pm. The stall is selling T-Shirts $20 kids and $25 for adults and drawstring bags, bands and ribbons.

Don’t forget to tag @autismcookislands in your photos and for more information contact kat@autismcookislands.org.

Autism Cook Islands is a locally registered charity working to: raise awareness about autism, improve the opportunities and resources for those with autism and assisting families of people with autism.