THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY STACK, ORIE, KITCHEN, TARTAGLIONE, KASUNIC, FONTANA, FARNESE, PILEGGI, BAKER, DINNIMAN, ALLOWAY, RAFFERTY, BRUBAKER, BROWNE, GREENLEAF, ERICKSON, BOSCOLA, VOGEL, GORDNER, ARGALL, YUDICHAK, SCHWANK, BREWSTER, VANCE, FERLO, SOLOBAY, PIPPY, COSTA AND EARLL, MARCH 28, 2012

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 28, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the month of April 2012 as "Autism Awareness Month"

and April 2, 2012, 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 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

WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not

been found, individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder

can be assisted in reaching their greatest potential through

accurate early diagnosis, appropriate education and

intervention; and

WHEREAS, Nationally about 1 in 110 American children are

living with an autism spectrum disorder according to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention; and

WHEREAS, The number of adults living with an autism spectrum

disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few

years as adolescents age into adulthood; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Public Welfare 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 an autism spectrum disorder;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2012

as "Autism Awareness Month" and April 2, 2012, as "World Autism

Day" in Pennsylvania and urge its observance throughout this

Commonwealth for the benefit of all individuals living with an

autism spectrum disorder and their families.