Today is World Autism Awareness Day and the kickoff to National Autism Awareness Month.
One of Northern Michigan's most well-known landmarks, the Mackinac Bridge, is lit up tonight to raise awareness for autism, a developmental disorder that affects thousands of local children.
The idea of stringing the bridge with blue lights is to shed light on the number of children and families dealing with autism. Over 15,000 children in Michigan have autism, which is the fourth most of any state in the U.S.
Experts say more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
