Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNICEF mark World Autism Awareness Day - PHOTOS

Baku joined the international campaign 'Light up blue light' on April 2 - World Autism Day, held in many cities worldwide with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and UNICEF, the Foundation said.

On this day one of the buildings in the National Seaside Park - Baku Business Centre was illuminated with blue light.

The 'Light up blue light' campaign has been held for the third year. It is a unique global initiative aimed at raising public awareness about such a condition as autism. On this day, different countries light up one of their most prominent city buildings with blue light to render moral support for these people.

Autism is a general term for a mental illness that occurs in a child's brain due to genetic factors, or environmental impact. Autism begins approximately from three years old and results in limited actions and prevents the brain developing. From this point of view it is very important to reveal the condition. Parental observation and comparison of the child's actions plays an important role. The international campaign in support of autistic children is designed to draw attention to it.

According to the research, one per cent of the world's population, about 70 million people are affected by this condition. The spread of autism is of particular concern. It is estimated that this year the number of autistic children will exceed the number of patients with AIDS, diabetes and cancer.

Autism is still considered an incurable disability, but it is possible to reduce its consequences through early diagnosis. Therefore, young parents should be more attentive to the condition of their children and have information about the condition.