In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions globally.
In Cranbrook and around the province, Pivot Point Family Growth Centre has offices to help provide services to children, youths and adults diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
Today, April 2, Pivot Point is marking Autism Awareness Day with an open house down at its office in the new Kootenay Child Development Centre, 16-12th Avenue North in downtown Cranbrook (across from Safeway).
Stop on by the boardroom between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to see what Pivot Point is all about, and how you can mark Autism Awareness Day.
Part of Pivot Point's awareness raising campaign is "Light It Up Blue." Mark this day by wearing blue and "lighting up" your house with a blue lightbulb. You can string some blue Christmas lights, for example, or purchase an "Autism Speaks" blue lightbulb from the Home Depot on McPhee Road.
Support continues throughout the month of April as it is also considered Autism Awareness Month.
Pivot Point specializes in intensive therapeutic interventions for children with mild behavioural and emotional challenges to moderate or severe childhood disorders such as learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other challenges that limit success at home or school.
The centres provide a wide range of autism services for children ages two to 19, as well as to young adults throughout B.C. All supports are tailored to the individual needs of each family in any amount required.