Families United in Newtown (FUN) is sponsoring “Light It Up Blue Newtown” again throughout April as part of an annual Autism Awareness Month campaign. This year, the organization is also adding education to its agenda of activities that kick off with an inclusive informational meeting, touch-a-truck, and “blue flashlight egg hunt.”

Globally, “Light It Up Blue” activities take place on April 2, concurrently with World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), according to FUN Co-Founder Linda Jones. The practice of displaying one or more blue lights signaling support of autism awareness continues through the rest of the month.

The Light It Up Blue campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of autism. The program was launched in 2010 by Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The initiative is intended to raise international awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month in the United States.

To celebrate Light It Up Blue, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses, bridges, homes around the world and in Newtown unite by shining blue lights. People around the globe also wear blue on this day in celebration of people with autism and those who love and support them

In this way, all people affected by autism are honored. Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.

FUN is kicking off its Autism Education Month with a meeting and activities on Saturday, April 1, from 5:30 to 8 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street. The event welcomes anyone who has a child or teen on the spectrum, as well as anyone whose family includes an alternately-abled youth.

Activities begin at 5:30 pm with a “Touch-a-Truck” offering. The family-friendly, hands-on event will offer opportunities for participants to explore, climb and touch a fire truck, police vehicle, and emergency response van as well as meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build the community.

Representatives from Newtown Hook & Ladder, Newtown Police Department and Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps will also be attending the kick-off, and available to meet everyone attending.

The event will also include recognition of Mirelle de Leon by Newtown Lions Club and FUN. deLoeon has been hosting educational workshops specifically for first responders in Newtown, to better inform those who may encounter individuals on the autism spectrum in the course of answering calls for assistance.

Between 5:30 and 7:30 pm attendees will also enjoy musical entertainment with a DJ for dancing and listening; create art at the craft table; dine on pizza and dessert at 6:30 pm, including a gluten-free option; and gather candy-filled eggs during the Blue Flashlight Egg Hunt at 7:30 pm.

Children 8 and under will be searching for eggs separately in the fenced play area at 6 pm, while the older children, teens, and adults will scavenge at 7:30 pm when it starts to get dark.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to register online at bit.ly/EGGHUNT23.

Autism Awareness

The Newtown Bee will be scheduling coverage all month about local people on the spectrum and those who work with them to share their stories and help foster understanding and acceptance of the condition.

Beginning April 1, readers can look toward Newtown United Methodist Church, Newtown Congregational Church, Chintz-n-Prints, Parent Connection, Queen Street Gifts, and other churches, business and individual homes to Light It Up Blue for the month. Edmond Town Hall will hang the FUN Banner on the front of the building at 45 Main Street, showcasing the many hand prints of FUN participants.

Newtown High School students will be holding a “Coffee Challenge” in partnership with B.D. Provisions with students from the senior, junior, and combined freshman and sophomore classes competing for who can sell the most pounds of coffee (and tea). If they do not already know one, interested buyers can connect with a student volunteer by contacting Jones at 203-512-6284 or lindajones9763@sbcglobal.net.

Families United in Newtown was established by residents Linda and her husband Duane Jones, who started fundraising in 2008 with a dream of providing recreational programs and respite for families with special needs children. One year later, following the death of their son, the program blossomed with the support of Newtown High School National Honor Society students.

In October 2010, the group held its first monthly meeting in memory of Tyler, and has hosted regular meetings ever since. The ultimate goal of FUN is to provide an outlet for families with special needs children as well as promote autism awareness.

According to AutismSpeaks.org, it is estimated that one in 44 children will be diagnosed with some form of ASD. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

For more information, to become involved with and/or donate to FUN, find the group on Facebook at Families United in Newtown, visit familiesunitedinnewtown.org or call 203-512-6284.

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Editor John Voket can be reached at editor@thebee.com.