First Lady of Slovakia symbolically lighted up the Bratislava Castle

For the 5th time the Slovak Republic participates in the World Autism Awareness Day. On this occasion Society for the Help of People with Autism has prepared an information campaign entitled ´Light it up blue!´. First Lady of Slovakia Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová took over the auspice about this campaign. At the beginning of the event President of the Society for the Help of People with Autism Mrs. Mária Štubňová welcomed all parents who came from different parts of Slovakia. "It's a big sacrifice that you came along with your children. I am pleased that we could meet at this wonderful event," said Mária Štubňová.

First Lady of Slovakia appreciated the fact that Slovakia has joined other countries in which buildings will be lit up in blue during April. "It is very important to talk about the disease, how we can help these people and how we can integrate them into society. The fact that we speak about this disease at events will certainly be of great importance. I´m personally interested in the lives of people with autism and during the whole year I support activities to help autistic children, not excluding the activities of the World Autism Awareness Day," said Silvia Gašparovičová.

Right before 7 p. m. First Lady of Slovakia together with the President of the Society for the Help of People with Autism and Director of the Department of Social Services of the Bratislava Region released blue balloons and lit blue the Bratislava Castle as a symbol of solidarity with people with autism.

The idea of World Autism Awareness Day is to increase public awareness and acceptance of autistic people in society. UN General Assembly proclaimed the 2nd April as the World Autism Awareness Day. For the first time Slovakia celebrated it in 2008. UN urged all its member states to take measures to ensure increase of awareness about autism throughout society and to promote early diagnosis of autism.