Do you know anyone affected by autism?

If you are seeing more blue today - shirts, pants, jackets, sweaters, scarves, and dresses - than usual, it’s because today is World Autism Awareness Day’s ‘Light it Blue’ campaign.

To spread the word early, the Autism Academy of SC, decked out with blue t-shirts and blue caps, lobbied politicians at the State House and businesses in Five Points where the fountain was turned blue on Wednesday.

The Autism Academy of South Carolina plans a celebration and fun run on Thursday. Events start at 5:30pm and culminate with a mile-and-a-half ‘Fun Run’ from the academy at 1505 Blanding Street to the SC Governor’s Mansion and back. Registration is required for both the celebration (which is free) and the Fun Run.

People who want to recognize Autism Awareness Day are asked to change out the white bulbs for blue bulbs in outdoor and/or indoor lighting; ask family, friends, and co-workers to wear blue; and, post photos on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, or Flickr with the hashtag #LIUB.

April 2 was recognized as World Autism Day in 2007 by the United Nations.

The Centers for Disease Control released new data last month that concluded that in the United States 1 in 68 children will be diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Boys (1 in 42) are more likely to have the disorder than girls ( 1 in 189. )

While children with an autism spectrum disorder can be reliably diagnosed as early as 2-years-of-age, on average, children with ASD weren’t diagnosed until after age 4, the CDC said.

South Carolina started monitoring the number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2000. In 2008, the last year for which numbers are available, there were 264 children in the state diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

For information about programs, advocacy, community services, treatment and more, check out the Autism Speaks SC page at: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/state/SC

Information about applying for services in South Carolina can be found at the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 8:13 PM with the headline "Do you know anyone affected by autism?."