Despite Donald Trump's false claims autism is the result of vaccinations, the White House will turn blue this weekend to honour those with the condition.
"Further research into the causes and treatments for autism spectrum disorders is one of the President's priorities," White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
The head of charity Autism Speaks, Bob Wright, is a longtime friend of Mr Trump's, despite the President's controversial views.
Mr Trump has in the past repeated a debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. In 2014, he tweeted: "Healthy young child goes to doctor, gets pumped with massive shot of many vaccines, doesn't feel good and changes - AUTISM. Many such cases!"
Last month he claimed autism rates had seen a "tremendous increase", which has been disputed, with higher rates over the last 10 years likely down to better diagnosis and awareness of the condition.
Mr Wright's wife Suzanne, with whom he founded Autism Speaks, died in 2016.
"The President made a pledge to her," said Mr Spicer. "He said, 'If I'm elected President… I will light the White House blue.'"
Newshub.
