2019 -- H 5953

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LC000522

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL, 2019, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Williams, Morin, Millea, and Almeida

     Date Introduced: April 03, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Autism is a neurological disorder that profoundly affects a person's ability

to communicate, process, and respond to sensory information, making it difficult for them to

relate to others and the world around them; and

     WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States,

affecting about 1 in every 59 children, and, based on statistics from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 15 percent increase in

prevalence nationally; and

     WHEREAS, Typically appearing during the first three years of life, Autism is the result

of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. Autism knows no

racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, but is four and one-half to five times more prevalent in boys

than in girls; and

     WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas

of research, diagnostic practices, and therapies for individuals with Autism; and

     WHEREAS, A variety of causes, including environmental toxins, childhood

immunizations, and genetics, are all being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no

identifiable cause or cure for Autism; and

     WHEREAS, Research indicates that early, intensive, sustained, and appropriate

intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life, level of independent

functioning, and reduction of public costs associated with Autism; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims April, 2019, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the

State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes the achievements made by various

individuals and agencies across the state who have improved the quality of life for those with

Autism and their families, and supports the continuation of their efforts through greater

awareness, understanding, and knowledge of this disorder; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Autism Coalition.

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