R 238
2022 -- H 8142
Enacted 04/13/2022

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL, 2022, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Filippi, Edwards, Baginski, Potter, Messier, Diaz, and Fellela

Date Introduced: April 13, 2022

     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 54 children, and, based on statistics from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 10 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 hereby
proclaims April, 2022, 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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LC005806
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