The world is [almost] blue today as communities around the globe celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building to front porches in local neighborhoods will Light it Up Blue on April 2 to show support for this mysterious condition.

Words Bookstore in neighboring Maplewood kicks off a month-long series of events in observance of Autism Awareness Month tonight with a ceremony to Light It Up Blue.

The rate of autism in New Jersey has doubled in six years to one in 49 children — and one in 29 boys — an "epidemic increase" in a disorder that has baffled researchers for decades, according to a federal study released last week.New Jersey's rate of autism remains one of the highest in the nation.

Across the country, one in 88 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, by age 8, according to the study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Words, the month's free activities include readings by authors of some of the year's best books on autism, workshops for parents and teachers to help children with autism learn through iPads, yoga for children with special needs, and a lecture on medication options by an autism school psychiatrist. 

On April 26, Words will host a reception for autism parents and educators followed by a reading with author Priscilla Gilman, an autism Mom (and former Yale professor).

See the Word's website @ wordsbookstore.com for more information on all its events.

See the ABC News report on the new federal study here.

Click here for more information on Light It Up Blue.

Are you lighting it up blue? Send your photos or stories to karen.yi@patch.com