A00302
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
50
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY GALLAGHER, McNEILL, GIRAL, SAPPEY, JAMES, KAZEEM,
GUENST, SCHLOSSBERG, KHAN, MARSHALL, MADDEN, McANDREW,
HADDOCK, VENKAT, DELLOSO, PARKER, HOWARD, HOHENSTEIN, KINSEY,
HILL-EVANS, NEILSON, GILLEN, TAKAC, CABELL, STURLA, CERRATO,
SANCHEZ, WARREN, GERGELY AND CONKLIN, MARCH 30, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, MARCH 30, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2023 as "Autism Acceptance Month"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a complex disability
requiring greater recognition, understanding and acceptance to
ensure that all individuals living with autism spectrum disorder
on the spectrum are accurately diagnosed and appropriately
supported throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological
and developmental disability resulting in impairment of
differences in an individual's ability to learn and develop
healthy interactive behaviors and understand verbal, nonverbal
and reciprocal differences in verbal and nonverbal
communication; and
WHEREAS, Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and
is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently
and to varying degrees; and
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WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-
growing developmental disorders disabilities in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, There is no known single cause of autism, but
increased awareness, funding and acceptance can help people and
their families today; and
WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not
been found, individuals living with autism spectrum disorder
Individuals living on the spectrum can be assisted in reaching
their greatest potential through accurate early diagnosis,
appropriate education and intervention; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1 in 54 individuals under 21 years of age are
affected by autism spectrum disorder have autism; and
WHEREAS, The number of adults living with autism spectrum
disorder on the spectrum is expected to increase dramatically
over the next few years as adolescents age into adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Individuals of all genders, races, ethnicities and
economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is four times more likely
to affect boys than girls; and have autism; and
WHEREAS, One in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, A growing body of research suggests that diagnostic
bias may contribute to the greater likelihood that women and
girls are misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in
life; and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown differences in autism symptoms by
gender, which are not always reflected in the diagnostic
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criteria used; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder can often be reliably
diagnosed by the age of two; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is more difficult to
diagnose in adults than children and highlights the importance
of provider competence in the evaluation and diagnosis of
autism; and
WHEREAS, There may be more than 185,000 individuals on the
autism spectrum in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Human Services created the Office
of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Supports
for Autism and Special Populations, to provide expertise and
support for all agencies serving Pennsylvanians living with
autism spectrum disorder on the spectrum; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of April 2023 as "Autism Acceptance Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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