DEARBORN — Blue Hands United of Dearborn is gearing up for its second annual lighting ceremony taking place at the Ford Community Arts Center on April 2.

The objective of the organization, started in 2013 by local parents, is to spread autism awareness in the Arab American community and beyond. The latest studies indicate that autism affects 1 in 88 children. It is more severe in young boys, where 1 in 42 are affected.

Last year, the organization held an event in front of Dearborn City Hall in which the building was lit blue and children and families released blue balloons for Autism Awareness Day, an event recognized worldwide. 

Mona Alaoue, president of Blue Hands United, told The Arab American News that the organization gained major momentum following their event last year. Arab American families from Florida to New York have reached out to the organization in hopes of participating and spreading autism awareness. 

“The community has become more open and we have been able to help them,” said Alaoue. “Some parents don’t know where to go, so we give them information on programs. Some moms and dads are now trying new therapies with their children and it been nice to compare notes.”

Alaoue said a major objective in the organization has been to reach out to bilingual parents, who might not be aware that their child might be autistic. She said that bilingual speakers will be present at the event taking place at the civic center to educate parents about the disability and where they can turn to for assistance.

Literature, therapists and outside vendors will also be present at the event. Alaoue said the organization is aiming to light three city buildings blue during the course of the evening. They are also in talks with city officials in Detroit to have two buildings lit up in downtown. 

In recent years, Autism Awareness Day has gained major momentum across the globe. It is a widely recognized event in the Middle East as well. In Egypt, pyramids were lit blue to recognize the disability last year. 

However, in Dearborn, there’s still a long road ahead. Open discussions of disability are generally viewed as taboo in many Arab and Muslim communities. 

Dearborn Public Schools are estimated to have about 92 autistic children. However, Alaoue believes the number of actual autistic children in the community is a lot greater; many children with more severe autism are bussed to another school district with the appropriate resources, while others remain undiagnosed because parents haven’t caught wind of it. 

Alaoue noted that it’s important that both children and parents have a strong support base to assist them with these challenges.

“To the children affected, we want to send them a message that they are not alone,” Alaoue said. “The support is there. We are here to help in any way we can; we know how difficult it is. A child is a miracle and a blessing and the diagnosis doesn’t change that value in a child.” 

The Blue Hands United of Dearborn’s Autism Awareness Day event will kick off on April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Studio A at the Ford Performing Arts Center. Raffles, refreshments and activities for children will be available. The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about Blue Hands United call 313.377.2776.