PRINTER'S NO. 297
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
63
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY D. COSTA, QUIGLEY, MARSHALL, HARKINS, READSHAW,
PICKETT, MACKENZIE, DRISCOLL, DEAN, HENNESSEY, LONGIETTI,
MATZIE, RYAN, J. HARRIS, SCHLOSSBERG, DUSH, SONNEY, MILLARD,
KINSEY, DiGIROLAMO, V. BROWN, TOOHIL, MURT, SCHLEGEL CULVER,
McNEILL, CALTAGIRONE, DIAMOND, R. BROWN, M. QUINN, CHARLTON,
JOZWIAK, WARREN, IRVIN, ROEBUCK AND ROZZI, FEBRUARY 3, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 3, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing April 2, 2017, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a complex disability
requiring greater recognition and understanding to ensure that
all individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder are
accurately diagnosed and appropriately supported throughout
their lives; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental
disability resulting in significant impairment of an
individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive
behaviors and understand verbal, nonverbal and reciprocal
communication; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is the result of a
neurological disorder affecting brain function, the complexity
of which few members of the general public understand; and
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WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not
been found, individuals living with this disorder can be
assisted in reaching their greatest potential through accurate
early diagnosis, appropriate education and intervention; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, about 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
are living with autism spectrum disorder and prevalence figures
are growing; and
WHEREAS, The number of adults living with autism spectrum
disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few
years as adolescents age into adulthood, and autism spectrum
disorder has become an urgent public health concern that is more
common than previously thought; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Human Services created the Office
of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Autism
Services, to provide expertise and support for all agencies
serving Pennsylvanians living with autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Autism Services, along with the
Commonwealth's commitment to fund additional services and
support for children and adults living with autism spectrum
disorder, continues to better the lives of those individuals and
their families; and
WHEREAS, The ninth annual "World Autism Awareness Day" is
April 2, 2017, and every year autism organizations around the
world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-
raising events, as well as engage in activities that help to
increase and develop world knowledge of the autism pandemic and
impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis
and early intervention; and
WHEREAS, "World Autism Awareness Day" celebrates the unique
talents and skills of persons with autism spectrum disorder;
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therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize April
2, 2017, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and
urge its observance throughout this Commonwealth for the benefit
of all individuals living with autism spectrum disorder and
their families.
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