WHEREAS, Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests during the first few years of a childs life and results from a neurological disorder that affects brain function; and

WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can affect an individuals social, communication, and behavioral skills; and

WHEREAS, Autism affects children from all countries, regardless of gender, race, or socio-economic status; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that as many as 2.41 percent of children in the United States suffer from ASD; and

WHEREAS, Young adults with autism are less likely to continue their education past secondary school and 35 percent do not have a job or receive postgraduate education after leaving high school; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately one out of every 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD; and

WHEREAS, Young adults with ASD are less likely to continue their education past secondary school and 25 percent do not have a job or pursue higher education after leaving high school; and

WHEREAS, Autism affects people from all backgrounds, but disproportionately affects minority and economically disadvantaged communities due to the cost and inaccessibility of autism care; and

WHEREAS, Medical expenses for children with ASD are shown to be four to six times greater than those without ASD; and

WHEREAS, While there is no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if individuals with autism receive treatment early in their lives, it is often possible for those individuals to lead significantly improved lives; and

WHEREAS, While there is no diagnostic test for ASD, the increased awareness of autism and the detection services available today make it possible for more people to be properly diagnosed with ASD; and

WHEREAS, ASD is not becoming more pervasive, but rather, the increased accessibility to services and professionals is assisting individuals in the diagnosis process; and

WHEREAS, ASD is a lifelong condition that requires support, training, assistance, and advocacy on behalf of diagnosed individuals; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community support services to ensure their health and safety, as well as the resilience of their families as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism presents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates the month of April 2021 as Autism Awareness Month and encourages residents to show support for autism awareness; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 73: Autism Awareness Month.

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