EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Softball Team has postponed its"Light It Up Blue Day" due to circumstances beyond control. The Wasps' doubleheader against Roanoke College on Wednesday, April 18 will now serve as Light It Up Blue Day for the 2012 season. All in attendance are asked to wear blue in support of this pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions worldwide.

The Emory & Henry Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will also be on hand at the game to collect donations to go to Autism Speaks.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism. The United States recognizes the entire month of April as Autism Awareness Month.

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. An estimated one-in-88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It was founded in February 2005 and since its inception, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

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