Autism Cook Islands were overwhelmed with the amount of support received yesterday at their Autism Awareness 'Blue Day.'

Multiple members of the community were seen wearing blue to work, with school children also taking part in swapping their uniforms for blue attire and lots of donations flooding the Autism Cook Islands set-up across from the Police Station in Avarua.

With April being Autism Awareness month, the team at Autism Cook Islands have been working extra hard to create an extra boost of awareness and has been able to “gain more support every year” said the charity’s Tony Fe’ao.

This year they have sold over 250 t-shirts and received a hoard of donations from various sources.

T-shirts were available for purchase at their station across from the Police Station along with a sausage sizzle, blue cupcakes, wristbands and ribbons for community members who wanted to show their added support.

Donations were happily received from a wide range of supporters including ANZ, Prime Foods, Polynesian Rentals, Team Rotaract, the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association, and many more donors.

All proceeds will go towards funding the further plans and projects Autism Cook Islands has to further support autistic children here.

Current initiatives for this year include Social Confidence Through Play, Gymnastics, Lego Masters Communication Through Play, and their Learn to Swim swimming lessons.

Funds will also be used to support the awesome team and staff and to pay for Autism Community catch ups and further initiatives this year.

Autism is a development disorder which affects social skills, language and communication skills, and flexibility with thinking. What causes the disorder remains unknown, which is where advocacy for awareness comes in with organisations such as Autism Cook Islands striving to provide support and assistance for both individuals and their families living with the condition.

‘Acceptance is the key’ is Autism Cook Islands’ motto.

The charity is in immense awe of the support this year and with the funds gained at the Blue Day, they look forward to being able to launch this year’s planned initiatives.