Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Henry on behalf of all Senators & Rep. Jaques on behalf of all Representatives

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 49

RECOGNIZING APRIL 2018 AS “AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH” AND RECOGNIZING AUTISM DELAWARE’S 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) is an urgent public health crisis because today, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting more than 3 million people; and

WHEREAS, in 1995 the prevalence of ASD was 1 in 2,500 births and today it is approximately 1 in 68 births; and

WHEREAS, ASD is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and

WHEREAS, symptoms and characteristics of ASD may present themselves in a variety of ways and are different for each person affected; and

WHEREAS, ASD can result in significant lifelong impairment of an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal, as well as non-verbal, communication; and

WHEREAS, the effort to address ASD continues with doctors, therapists, and educators helping persons with ASD overcome or adjust to its challenges by providing early, accurate diagnosis, and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that is vital to future growth and development; and

WHEREAS, persons living with ASD should have access to the lifelong care and the services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and

WHEREAS, for the past 10 years, Austism Delaware has been providing community-based, vocational services through Productive Opportunities for Work & Recreation (POW&R); and

WHEREAS, for the past 20 years, Autism Delaware has been a leader in providing services and advocacy for individuals with ASD and their families in Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 149th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2018 be recognized as “Autism Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Delaware recognizes Autism Delaware for 20 years of dedicated work that improves the lives of Delawareans with autism spectrum disorder and their families.