2014 – S 2894

Enacted 04/10/14

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL, 2014, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators E O`Neill, Hodgson, Cote, Sheehan, and Raptakis

Date Introduced: April 10, 2014

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 68 children, and, based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism is growing at a startling rate with a 30 percent increase over the past two years; 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 Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims April, 2014, 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 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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LC005427
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