1Recognizing April 2, 2013, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in
2Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a complex disability
4requiring greater recognition and understanding to ensure that
5all individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder are
6accurately diagnosed and appropriately supported throughout
7their lives; and

8WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental
9disability resulting in significant impairment of an
10individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive
11behaviors and understand verbal, nonverbal and reciprocal
12communication; and

13WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is the result of a
14neurological disorder affecting brain function, the complexity

1of which few members of the general public understand; and

2WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not
3been found, individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder
4can be assisted in reaching their greatest potential through
5accurate early diagnosis, appropriate education and
6intervention; and

7WHEREAS, Nationally about 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
8are living with an autism spectrum disorder and prevalence
9figures are growing; and

10WHEREAS, The number of adults living with an autism spectrum
11disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few
12years as adolescents age into adulthood, and autism spectrum
13disorder has become an urgent public health concern that is more
14common than previously thought; and

15WHEREAS, The Department of Public Welfare created the Office
16of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Autism
17Services, to provide expertise and support for all agencies
18serving Pennsylvanians living with an autism spectrum disorder;
19and

20WHEREAS, The creation of the Bureau of Autism Services, along
21with the Commonwealth's commitment to fund additional services
22and support for children and adults living with an autism
23spectrum disorder, will bring about a new day for those
24individuals and their families; and

25WHEREAS, The sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April
262, 2013, and every year autism organizations around the world
27celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising
28events, as well as engage in activities that help to increase
29and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart
30information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and

1early intervention; and

2WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day celebrates the unique
3talents and skills of persons with an autism spectrum disorder;
4therefore be it

5RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize April
62, 2013, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and
7urge its observance throughout this Commonwealth for the benefit
8of all individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder and
9their families.