INDIAN LAND, S.C. -- The Town of Indian Land is going blue for World Autism Day.
Every year on April 2, agencies across the nation light up their facilities in blue to raise awareness about people diagnosed with autism.
The disorder affects 1 out of 68 children but the symptoms may be difficult for parents to recognize.
It’s something the Rodriguez family can relate to. When their son Jacob was six years old, he was misdiagnosed with ADHD.
“We always knew that it was something more than that,” said Amber Rodriguez. “He got bullied a lot and picked on for not understanding a lot of social cues.”
By 12 years old, Jacob was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD. Symptoms include difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviors and nonverbal communication.
“Stuff that smells bad it’ll really hurt my nose," Jacob said. "Loud noises, like music in the car is sensitive to me and it has to be turned down.”
Jacob also tells NBC Charlotte’s Billie Jean Shaw he has trouble looking people in the eyes.
“I don’t know why. I’ll try but I just couldn’t do it,” he said.
Not wanting other families to deal with those hardships, the Rodriguez family hosted an educational "Autism Awareness Bash" at Indian Land Middle Monday night.
They’re turning the town blue, something we’re seeing all across the world in places like Charlotte, New York, France and China.
“It feels good that were kind of raising awareness about it,” Jacob said. “All the people that do have it and may not be aware of it, they can get tested and make their life easier.”