1Recognizing the month of April 2014 as "Autism Awareness Month"
2and April 2, 2014, 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 autism spectrum disorder are
6accurately diagnosed and appropriately supported throughout
7their lives; and

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

13WHEREAS, Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and
14is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently
15and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of
16autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families

1today; and

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

7WHEREAS, Nationally about 1 in 88 American children are
8living with autism spectrum disorder according to the Centers
9for Disease Control and Prevention; and

10WHEREAS, The number of adults living with autism spectrum
11disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few
12years as adolescents age into adulthood; and

13WHEREAS, The Department of Public Welfare created the Office
14of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Autism
15Services, to provide expertise and support for all agencies
16serving Pennsylvanians living with autism spectrum disorder;
17therefore be it

18RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2014
19as "Autism Awareness Month" and April 2, 2014, as "World Autism
20Day" in Pennsylvania and urge its observance throughout this
21Commonwealth for the benefit of all individuals living with
22autism spectrum disorder and their families.