The Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group (CWASNAG), in conjunction with Parkes Shire Council, have worked with CSIRO to light up the local landmark for a third year to raise awareness about the condition as part of World Autism Awareness Month.

"CWASNAG works tirelessly to lobby for better access to services for those living with special needs in regional areas, and to build a more inclusive community," Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said.

"The Blue Dish is a fantastic initiative, shining a spotlight on this important cause. A big thank you is extended to CSIRO for their support in making this happen."

The family-friendly picnic night has proved popular once again, with tickets sold out to the event that takes place on April 5.

For the first time, a cocktail fundraiser evening will be held the following night on Saturday, April 6 under the Blue Dish, including a panel discussion, live entertainment, telescope viewing and a lucky door prize.

"One of the main reasons our group was established in the beginning was to create awareness in our community of children with special needs and the adversity that they individually face each day," CWASNAG president Angela Wilson said.

"By lighting our Dish up blue during the month of April, we are creating an awareness of autism and in turn, prompting conversations about it."

Angela said that through awareness comes understanding, which "ultimately brings acceptance".

According to Autism Spectrum Australia, an estimated one in 70 people has autism, which equates to almost 230,000 Australians. Autism affects almost four times as many boys than girls.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that each person has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. The main areas of difficulty are in social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.

The Dish will join a host of iconic structures across the world that will light blue throughout April, such as the Whitehouse and Rockefeller Centre in the United States, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Ancient City of Petra in Jordan and the Opera House in Sydney

The cocktail fundraiser evening will feature guest panellists special educator working with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Marguerite Evans, passionate advocate Reuben Bondareff, CWASNAG treasurer Rebecca Freeman and paediatric physiotherapist Rochelle Smith.

Marguerite Evans - Marguerite works in a multidisciplinary team with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists. Marguerite works in both Canberra and NSW regional areas, both in person and through a teletherapy delivery of service. She is passionate about accessing service for people on the spectrum particularly in regional areas, and building the capacity of the family as they work towards a Different Brilliant.

Reuben Bondareff - 19-year-old Reuben is passionate about helping people, especially those with Autism, having had to manage high sensory anxiety himself throughout high school. Reuben has personal and group time with Currajong Disabilities Services over two days per week, and attends the Central West Autism & Special Needs Group meetings.

Rebecca Freeman - Mother to three children. In 2013 their daughter, Kayleigh was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum. Kayleigh is now nine years old and she attends the Support Unit at Parkes Public School. Beck has been an active member of CWASNAG since it began in 2016.

Rochelle Smith - A certified paediatric physiotherapist who works with children with special needs. Rochelle currently works in the Lachlan region as an early interventionist and physiotherapist.