World autism awareness day celebrated in Poland

World autism awareness day celebrations began in Poland on Wednesday as a part of the international "Light it up blue" action. The action inaugurates Autism awareness month during which many events promoting knowledge about autism in Poland will take place. This includes conferences, meetings and workshops for parents of autistic children, exhibitions, meeting with therapists and specialists, as well as film screenings. Among building to be lit up in blue are the Warsaw Palace of Culture, National Museum and the Parliament Building. An exhibition organized by the National Art Gallery Zachta will let visitors experience the way autistic people see and feel the world. According to SYNAPSIS foundation, one in three hundred children born in Poland are affected with autism. In 2014, more than 15,000 newborn children will be at high risk. Autism is a brain development and functioning disorder, causing serious problems with perceiving the world, speaking and establishing social relations. "We've been working with people with autism for over 20 years and we know that the knowledge about this issue among the public is still at a very low level. Any initiative that can contribute to the growth of public awareness is of utmost importance," said Joanna Grochowska, the vice-chairman of SYNAPSIS foundation. This year, the celebrations will take place under the auspices of Polish First Lady Anna Komorowska.