Blue lights installed on base for autism awareness Published April 3, 2013 By Airman Kristina Forst 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- More than 100 blue light bulbs were installed at Scott Air Force Base last week in honor of Autism Awareness Month. "I thought it was a great idea to have these blue lights around the base," said Maj. Guy Venuti, 375th Medical Group pediatrician. "People need to know about this." Cathy Almand, Scott Air Force Base Project Blue Light team lead, and her team looked to educate Scott on the impact that autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, can have in the local community. "One in every 50 children has autism, that's why it's important that we identify it so that we can get them to the right resources sooner," said Almand. ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain, and can impact a person's functions at different levels. People with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want to change their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to situations. ASDs begin in early childhood and last throughout a person's life. Some of the symptoms of ASD are: · Not playing "pretend" games · Having trouble relating to others · Not pointing at objects · Avoiding eye contact · Repeating or echoing words · Repeating actions over and over again · Having trouble adapting to routine changes · Having unusual responses to smell, tastes, sounds, or textures There are many patient support groups in the area such as the Exceptional Family Member Program, St. Louis Arc and Life Skills Touchpoint Autism Services. "The hope is that each year we can educate more and more people," said Almand. For more information on ASDs, visit the Autism Information Center webpage at www.cdc/gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/resources.