Monday, April 1, leaders from Athens and Limestone County came together at the Limestone County Courthouse to “light it up blue” in honor of the joint proclamation declaring April Autism Awareness Month.

Limestone County Commission chairman Colin Daly and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks issued proclamations. Limestone County Sheriff Josh McLaughlin joined the leaders in the office’s autism-awareness decorated vehicle.

Stacey Givens, the founder of Make A Way Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing support to those with Autism and special needs is grateful for the community’s support.

“When something is put in the spotlight, it creates conversations. The hope is that it truly will bring awareness to its prevalence, understanding of behaviors, acceptance of uniqueness and opportunities for inclusion,” Givens said.