Qatar News Agency "Lights it Up Blue" for Autism

Doha, April 04 (QNA) - Qatar News Agency (QNA) has participated last night in the awareness campaign for autism disease by illuminating its headquarters blue. The participation is based on the UN General Assembly's decree number 62/139 issued in 2007, in approval of Qatar's proposal to mark the second of April of each year as an international day in awareness of the disease. It is also in solidarity with the international campaign titled "Light it Up Blue" conducted by Autism Speaks for Autism Awareness Day. Global statistics have revealed that more than 60 million people allover the world suffer from autism, a large number of which do not have access to general health and education services. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. It impedes normal brain activity and leads to communication problems among children disrupting behavioral and social learning. Autism is considered one of the most common diseases affecting children's evolutionary system. The disease affects children during the first three years of their lives and continues throughout their lifetime. It affects more males than females at a 4 to 1 ratio and is associated with all social classes, ethnicities, and races. (QNA)