Buildings Light Up Blue For Autism Awareness

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- The Empire State Building will be bathed in blue tonight along with a thousand other buildings around the world to participate in the Autism Speaks' Light It Up Blue campaign.

Former G.E. President Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne were the founders of Autism Speaks and attended the ceremonial lighting.

"It has to go even bigger than this. Everybody has to be talking about it," said Suzanne Wright.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond talks with the founders of Autism Speaks

This is personal for the Wright's, their 10-year-old grandson is autistic.

"Everything about his treatment is helping in the battle against autism, but still one in 110 children in America are diagnosed with the disease," said Bob Wright. "This is the most prevalent serious childhood developmental disorder in the nation and we don't have the history of science and medicine behind us."

Bob Wright told WCBS 880 more people understand the disease and there are treatments, and in most states you can get insurance coverage, but not in New York.

Suzanne Wright headed over to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where they unveiled an interactive 3-D installment that allows the public to attempt to engage a life-sized image of a young girl who avoids eye contact – a common behavior of people with autism.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 2 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) at 10:00am

Friday is World Autism Awareness Day and marks the beginning of Autism Awareness month.