2025 -- S 0919

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LC002576

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2025, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senator Jessica de la Cruz

     Date Introduced: March 28, 2025

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, Autism is a neurological condition that can profoundly affect a person's

ability to communicate, process, and respond to sensory information, making it challenging 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 36 children, and, based on 2020 statistics from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 175 percent increase over the

past decade; and

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

of neurological differences in the brain that affect the functioning of the brain. Autism knows no

racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, but is four 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 and genetics, are all

being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no identifiable cause 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 Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April of

2025, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate 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 Autism Spectrum Disorders; 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 Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter.

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LC002576

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