PRINTER'S NO. 1633
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
308
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SABATINA, McGARRIGLE, KITCHEN, DINNIMAN, TEPLITZ,
GREENLEAF, FONTANA, SCHWANK, SCAVELLO, VULAKOVICH, WARD,
COSTA, RAFFERTY, YUDICHAK, BARTOLOTTA, RESCHENTHALER,
TARTAGLIONE, BREWSTER, HUTCHINSON, BROWNE, McILHINNEY AND
FARNESE, MARCH 21, 2016
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 21, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2016 as "Autism Awareness Month"
and April 2, 2016, as "World Autism Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a complex disability
requiring greater recognition and understanding to ensure that
all individuals living with autism spectrum disorder are
accurately diagnosed and appropriately supported throughout
their lives; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental
disability resulting in varying levels of impairment of an
individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive
behaviors and understand verbal, nonverbal and reciprocal
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
WHEREAS, There is no known single cause of autism, but
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increased awareness and funding can help families today; and
WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not
been found, individuals living with autism spectrum disorder can
be assisted in reaching their greatest potential through
accurate early diagnosis, appropriate education and
intervention; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 1 in 88 American children are living
with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention; 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
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;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2016
as "Autism Awareness Month" and April 2, 2016, as "World Autism
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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