ST. LOUIS — The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One union hall will glow in a symbolic blue on April 2, 2015 to support World Autism Awareness Day.

It will join the worldwide “Light it Up Blue” campaign by Autism Speaks and be one of thousands of structures across the globe lit in blue. In St. Louis, several civic and business organizations are joining IBEW in the lighting campaign. That includes the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park, which has a lighting system sponsored by IBEW and its Electrical Connection partner the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

“We want to encourage our fellow construction trade unions, building partners and our customers to join us in the “Light it up Blue” campaign,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local One. “If you can’t light it blue, then wear something blue on April 2, 2015. Everyone today probably knows a family living with autism.” According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, autism is diagnosed in one out of 68 children.

Among the other lit structures and businesses are the Saint Louis Zoo, in Forest Park;700 Market building in Downtown St. Louis; Express Scripts in North St. Louis County; Tropicana Bowl, Richmond Heights; Ascension Health in North St. Louis County; HOK office, downtown; Centene Plaza, Clayton, Mo.; Chase Park Plaza in the Central West End; Hotel Ingacio, Midtown St. Louis; Moonrise Hotel, St. Louis;Knights of Columbus Development Center at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Louis; Metro Lighting in Brentwood and Chesterfield; and Sigma Aldrich, South St. Louis

In addition to lighting St. Louis blue, schools, businesses and civic organizations are being asked to encourage the wearing of blue clothing on April 2nd or showcase the color blue in some way. Autism Speaks’ young professionals group will be hosting an evening event at the Moonrise Hotel. To learn more on how to participate, visit www.lightitupblue.org or call the St. Louis Chapter of Autism Speaks at 314-989-1003.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The CDC has called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown. For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org.