PRINTER'S NO. 3240
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
792
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY D. COSTA, CHARLTON, HARKINS, TOOHIL, RYAN,
KAUFFMAN, PASHINSKI, MACKENZIE, WARD, MATZIE, R. BROWN,
JAMES, MILLARD, SCHLOSSBERG, BIZZARRO, DEAN, SCHLEGEL CULVER,
BURNS, STURLA, BARBIN, PICKETT, LONGIETTI, EVERETT, DRISCOLL,
BOBACK, CALTAGIRONE, J. McNEILL, DiGIROLAMO, SCHWEYER, IRVIN,
ROZZI, MURT, McCLINTON, YOUNGBLOOD, READSHAW, MARSHALL,
DEASY, O'NEILL, DALEY, NEILSON AND DeLUCA, APRIL 3, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 3, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing April 2, 2018, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a complex disability
requiring greater recognition and understanding to ensure that
all individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder are
accurately diagnosed and appropriately supported throughout
their lives; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental
disability resulting in significant impairment of an
individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive
behaviors and understand verbal, nonverbal and reciprocal
communication; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder is the result of a
neurological disorder affecting brain function, the complexity
of which few members of the general public understand; and
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WHEREAS, Although a cure for autism spectrum disorder has not
been found, individuals living with this disorder can be
assisted in reaching their greatest potential through accurate
early diagnosis, appropriate education and intervention; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, an estimated 1 in 68 children and 1 in
42 boys are living with autism spectrum disorder and prevalence
figures are growing; and
WHEREAS, The number of adults living with autism spectrum
disorder is expected to increase dramatically over the next few
years as adolescents age into adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorder has become an urgent public
health concern that is more common than previously thought; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Human Services created the Office
of Developmental Programs, which includes the Bureau of Autism
Services, to provide expertise and support for all agencies
serving Pennsylvanians living with autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Autism Services, along with the
Commonwealth's commitment to fund additional services and
support for children and adults living with autism spectrum
disorder, continues to better the lives of affected individuals
and their families; and
WHEREAS, On April 2, 2008, the United Nations observed the
first official "World Autism Awareness Day," highlighting the
need to improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from
autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, The 10th annual "World Autism Awareness Day" is
April 2, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Every year, autism organizations around the world
celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising
events and activities that increase and develop world knowledge
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of the autism pandemic and impart information regarding the
importance of early diagnosis and early intervention; and
WHEREAS, The 2018 "World Autism Awareness Day" observance at
the United Nations headquarters is focusing on the importance of
empowering women and girls with autism spectrum disorder and
involving them in policy and decision making to address the
discrimination they face; and
WHEREAS, "World Autism Awareness Day" celebrates the unique
talents and skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorder;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize April
2, 2018, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the
observance of "World Autism Awareness Day" throughout this
Commonwealth for the benefit of all individuals living with
autism spectrum disorder and their families.
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