1Recognizing the month of April 2013 as "Autism Awareness Month"
2and April 2, 2013, as "World Autism Day" in Pennsylvania.

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
15of which few members of the general public understand; and

16WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not

1been found, individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder
2can be assisted in reaching their greatest potential through
3accurate early diagnosis, appropriate education and
4intervention; and

5WHEREAS, Nationally about 1 in 88 American children are
6living with an autism spectrum disorder according to the Centers
7for Disease Control and Prevention; and

8WHEREAS, The number of adults living with an autism spectrum
9disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few
10years as adolescents age into adulthood; and

11WHEREAS, The Department of Public Welfare created the Office
12of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Autism
13Services to provide expertise and support for all agencies
14serving Pennsylvanians living with an autism spectrum disorder;
15therefore be it

16RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2013
17as "Autism Awareness Month" and April 2, 2013, as "World Autism
18Day" in Pennsylvania and urge its observance throughout this
19Commonwealth for the benefit of all individuals living with an
20autism spectrum disorder and their families.