11-R239
2011 -- H 6078
Enacted 04/27/11
H O U S E R E S
O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING
APRIL, 2011, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
Introduced By: Representatives Palumbo, Morrison, Naughton, San Bento, and JP O`Neill
Date Introduced: April 27, 2011
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
affecting 1 in 110 children, and, based on statistics from the
United States Department of
Education and other governmental agencies, Autism is
growing at a startling rate of 10 to 17
percent per year. At this rate, the Autism Society of
America estimates that the prevalence of
Autism could reach four million Americans in the next
decade; 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 three to 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, 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
Providence Plantations
hereby proclaims April, 2011, to be “Autism Awareness Month" in the
State of
RESOLVED,
That this House of Representatives 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 he hereby is
authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode
Island Autism Coalition.
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LC02521
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