Egypt to turn pyramids blue for World Autism Awareness Day

Egypt’s Ministry of State for Antiquities announced that the pyramids of Giza would be illuminated in blue on Thursday evening to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

“Light it up blue” is the theme chosen for the eighth World Autism Awareness Day worldwide.

Hundreds of buildings, monuments and landmarks around the world — including Dubai’s Borj Khalifa, New York’s Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, and Toronto’s CN Tower, amongst many others — have been illuminated blue over the last few years to mark the annual awareness day.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is classified as a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by repetitive behavior, and/or different social interaction. Symptoms of ASD typically emerge during early childhood.

Millions of children are diagnosed with ASD each year internationally, and it is around five times more prevalent in boys than girls.

Individuals with ASD may lead successful lives and careers, but generally require additional support. Most find it difficult to live independently.

While there is no known remedy for Autism, some individuals have fully recovered from the disorder.

The Ministry of State for Antiquities also announced that it would be organizing outings and events for Egyptian children with autism, including excursions to museums, and awareness raising programs.

Antiquities and tourism authorities have been illuminating the pyramids blue on April 2 for the past few years. However, beyond these symbolic gestures, little is being done at the governmental level to raise awareness of and support those in Egypt with autism.

Although no official statistics are available, some medical studies suggest there are well over 800,000 children with autism in Egypt.