The Blue Ribbon
What does it mean to “Light it up blue”? Well, the 2nd of April is World Autism Awareness Day. Perhaps you notice an uptick in the number of people wearing blue around you. (Or perhaps not?)
Why blue? For two reasons, really:
1. Blue is the primary colour of an autism advocacy association known as Autism Speaks & (rather more significantly, if I may add)
2. Blue is meant to be associated with a calm feeling and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people on the spectrum.
Aside from education and public awareness, the significance of Autism Awareness Month of April advocates for support from society to provide support services, resources, and funding for research, education, and programmes that benefit individuals with autism.
Locally, the Autism Network Singapore (ANS) is an alliance of like-minded partners passionate about the cause of autism. They care for the autism community and collaborate every year to advocate for autism, raise public awareness, and rally for more support of the cause. Formed in April 2015 and now an alliance of five Social Service Agencies (SSA) partners, the ANS welcomes participation and collaboration from other SSAs, government and related stakeholders, as well as corporate organisations.
A Closer Look At One of the Five: Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) aka ARC(S)
ARC(S)’ mission is: To help individuals on the autism spectrum maximise their potential in life through advocacy and provision of services in education, employment and empowerment of family caregivers/professionals.
As a not-for-profit Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO), ARC(S) offers a range of services and resources tailored to meet the growing concerns and needs of the autism community, which includes:
1. WeCAN Early Intervention Program (EIP)
The program provides autism-specific intervention for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years. It aims to help the children gain functional and independent skills for a more successful transition. It also strives to equip caregivers to help them maximise their fullest potential.
2. Pathlight school
The first autism-focused school in Singapore offers a unique blend of mainstream academics and life skills for primary and secondary students (aged 7 to 18 years).
3. Employability and Employment Centre (E2C)
E2C aims to equip autistic adults with employability skills through training and place them in suitable jobs with appropriate job support. It even offers services for employers interested in hiring people with autism in their companies.
What, Then, Can We Do?
We can donate to ARC (Donate to Transform Lives | Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)) or give our time to volunteer with them (Volunteer to Support Autism and Make an Impact | Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)) to support vital programs and services that empower individuals on the autism spectrum to lead meaningful and independent lives.
Understanding the needs of our community better is also crucial so that we know how we can contribute to society. Of course, wearing specific colours/ribbons can also inspire others around us to learn more and contribute to the respective causes. Yet…
In truth, it does not matter what we wear, how much we donate, or even how ‘aware’ we are of the various causes. What matters is how we love. This snippet from a poem I read online < When Awareness Harms | Emma’s Hope Book> sums it up rather beautifully:
“… Have you asked yourself whether the awareness campaigns are helping?
What exactly have they made you aware of?
Does your newly found awareness help you understand an Autistic person?
How so?
What about Autistic neurology?
Do you believe you understand what the brightest minds in the world admit they are baffled by?
How about treating Autistic people the way you would hope to be treated?
I vote for love and laughter.”
In this season of Advent, yes, we want to raise awareness of communities who may be less privileged than us, and yes, we want to raise funds and take action to help others. Yet, let us never forget that the most important thing to do is to love people the way God loves us.
Prayer Concerns for Autism Awareness
- For Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families
Pray for God’s grace and strength for those on the autism spectrum so that they may feel loved and valued. Ask for God’s wisdom and patience to be upon their families and caregivers as they support them in reaching their fullest potential. Pray that our society grows in understanding and acceptance, fostering environments of calm and inclusion. - For Greater Compassion and Awareness in Society
Pray that public awareness campaigns like “Light it up Blue” inspire genuine understanding and action, going beyond symbolic gestures to meaningful engagement. Ask God to help individuals and communities reflect His love by treating every person with kindness, dignity, and respect, seeing the image of God in all - For Autism Advocacy and Support Services
Uphold organisations like Autism Network Singapore and Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) in our prayers as they work hard to advocate for the autism community. Pray for the success of their programs, from early intervention and education at Pathlight School to employability training through the E2C Centre. Ask God to provide sufficient resources, dedicated volunteers, and partnerships to continue their impactful work.
To Find Out More, Please Visit:
Autism’s Colors & Symbols – The Place for Children with Autism
World Autism Awareness Month: Facts on Autism Spectrum Disorder
World Autism Awareness (Singapore) – Autism Network Singapore
Overview of ARC(S) | Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)
Introduction to School – Pathlight School
Successful Employment for Adults on the Autism Spectrum | Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)
