City Hall to light up blue for autism

If you’re wondering why Baltimore City Hall is blue, it’s for autism awareness.

As part of the International “Light It Up Blue” campaign, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has joined with the Kennedy Krieger Institute on the lighting.

The lights go on Monday at sunset and will stay on through April for Autism Awareness Month.

Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts one in 88 children, or one in 80 in Maryland. More than 1.5 million are now estimated to be living with the disorder in the United States.

The advocacy group Autism Speaks is behind the Light It Up Blue campaign. It urges other prominent buildings to light up.

“Baltimore and its families are very fortunate to be home to Kennedy Krieger, an internationally recognized leader in autism treatment and research,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in a statement. “I’m proud that we can light City Hall in blue to raise awareness of the families who need our support and recognize the impact that a Baltimore institution is making in the lives of children with autism.”

Dr. Gary Goldstein, President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, said in a statement, “Kennedy Krieger is home to a team of people who are working tirelessly to support families and provide answers. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mayor Rawlings-Blake to spotlight the importance of community support for individuals with autism and the challenges that they face.”