To support the Light It Up Blue initiative, iconic buildings around the world will be lit in blue, and supporters across the global community will don blue clothing for World Autism Day on April 2.
The CDC estimates that about one percent of the population suffers from an autism spectrum disorder. According to the Child Early Intervention Medical Center, more children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than will be with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, making it the fastest growing developmental disability in the world.
Several mental health problems are known to frequently co-occur with autism spectrum disorders. A 1999 review found that anxiety disorders co-occur with autism as often as 84 percent of the time, and depression has a comorbidity rate as high as 58 percent.
Many women suffering from an autism spectrum disorder also live with anxiety and mood disorders. Because of the stigma associated with mental illness or because autism complicates diagnosis, they may go untreated when therapy could alleviate mental health issues and family distress. It is quite possible to treat comorbidities such as anxiety and depression with medication, therapy or both.
Brookhaven Retreat treats mental health and substance abuse issues and understands the impact that treatment can have on the physical and emotional lives of women. In support of Light It Up Blue, staff members have been invited to wear blue on April 2, and Brookhaven Retreat stands in support of women suffering from a wide range of disorders impacting their emotional lives.
