The Marigold Foundation is proud that on World Autism Awareness Day it has put Malta on the map by joining for the first time ever the world?s largest autism science and advocacy organization AUTISM SPEAKS and participating in its educational campaign Light it up Blue. Light it up Blue is annually observed on April 2nd with the aim to raise international awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis. Auberge de Castille was the venue chosen by the Association of Parents of Children with Autism, and the Office of The Prime Minister kindly accepted. The Lighting up ceremony took place at Castille Place where Mrs Michelle Muscat, Chairperson of The Marigold Foundation, together with members of the Association of Parents of Children with Autism gathered for this symbolic ceremony. In her introductory speech, Mrs Muscat said that Marigold is proud and honoured to make this dream come true for the Association and for all the other families who have children with autism. Mrs Muscat stated that this Association has its own particular needs. The parents who run it all have small children with autism which makes it even more difficult for them to leave the family?s everyday challenges in order to help provide a hub for Maltese families to find help and support when the need arises. Mrs. Muscat urged all those parents with children with autism to come and join this Association since it provides friendship in times of need, advice and a community that understands their daily challenges. After the Lighting up ceremony, The Marigold Foundation organised a fundraising dinner at the Ambassador?s Hall in Castille, where proceeds were gathered for the Association of Parents of Children with Autism to join the European forum and keep abreast with what is happening on the European platform and further afield.