Supporting autism at the State Capitol

A large crowd gathered outside the State Capitol Tuesday evening to see it light up blue in support of the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign.

Randolph/Pocahontas County Delegate Denise Campbell has a 10 year old son named Logan who was diagnosed with autism at age three. It was because of him and what he was going through that led her to get into politics and make a difference.

“It would be the best investment that we could ever come up with is to put every effort forward to try to help these children and try to make it possible that they can achieve everything that they have potential for,” said Campbell.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin joined children, families and autism advocates in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month. Both the State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion were glowing blue.

Campbell said children with autism are different than other children but they are just as special and talented.

“They can be just as amazing as any other child that you see out at the park or on the soccer field or in the school,” said Campbell.

Campbell said kids with autism just need to be supported and that’s the goal of World Autism Awareness Day.

The Capitol and mansion joined nearly 3,000 iconic structures, buildings and landmarks in more than 600 U.S. cities, and 50 countries around the world, that shined a bright light on autism.