PRINTER'S NO. 740
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
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 an
individual's ability to learn and 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, Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-
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growing developmental disorders in the United States; and
WHEREAS, There is no known single cause of autism, but
increased awareness, funding and acceptance 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, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1 in 54 individuals under 21 years of age are
affected by autism spectrum disorder; 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, 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
WHEREAS, One in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder can be reliably diagnosed
by the age of two; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is more difficult to
diagnose in adults than children; 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
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for Autism and Special Populations, to provide expertise and
support for all agencies serving Pennsylvanians living with
autism spectrum disorder; 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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