Local organizations celebrate World Autism Day

Many felt blue Tuesday, but not because they're sad. Local organizations lit our area with blue to celebrate World Autism Day.

Local organizations like Gulf Coast School for Autism and Bacot Academy raised their voices to spread awareness about autism.

"This is a day where we're bringing resources to the community," said Gulf Coast School for Autism Assistant Director Kuryn Patterson.

Patterson said it's important for people to know how autism affects our community.

"It's really important for people to see that autism is here in our community and that there are services and supports for those families," said Patterson.

Dozens of children, some with autism, sang and played instruments at Margaritaville in Pier Park to celebrate autism. Patterson said it shows everyone how much people with autism can do.

"When our kids get up on stage, they may have those behaviors," said Patterson. "Those behaviors may come out, but that's autism. They show you what they can do and it's just they're time to shine."

Bacot Academy held an event to spread awareness at Dave and Buster's.

"Even the kids get involved. They know what's coming every year and they also have a lot of fun helping us doing the poster," said Bacot Academy Executive Director Cindy Bacot.

Bacot said at the academy's request, SkyWheel turned its lights blue. People also used glow sticks to light the area blue.

"We have more and more people participating each year. We hope with awareness brings a better quality of life for some of these kids that are affected," said Bacot.