According to the Croatian federation, 8,000 persons have been diagnosed with autism, but the federation estimates that actually a higher number of people, up to 23,000 Croatians, suffer from it.
Within World Autism Awareness Day, federation stands will be set up in Zagreb's main square from 1000 to 1700 hrs Thursday, and blue balloons will be released at noon, given that blue is the colour of autism.
Thirteen associations from the cities of Cakovec, Zadar, Osijek, Rijeka and Nova Gradiska will organise the lighting of the landmarks of their cities in blue.
For instance, in Rijeka, the national theatre building (HNK) will be illuminated in blue, as well as St. Donat Church in Zadar.
Iconic landmarks around the globe – including the Empire State Building in New York City, the Pyramids in Giza, and Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia, will be lit up in bright blue for that observance day.