[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1106 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 21, 2008.
Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed during 
        the first 3 years of life, robbing individuals of their ability to 
        communicate and interact with others;
Whereas autism affects an estimated 1 in every 150 children in the United 
        States;
Whereas autism is four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls;
Whereas autism can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or other 
        factors;
Whereas it costs approximately $80,000 per year to treat an individual with 
        autism in a medical center specializing in developmental disabilities;
Whereas the cost of special education programs for school-age children with 
        autism is often more than $30,000 per individual per year;
Whereas the cost nationally of caring for persons affected by autism is 
        estimated at upwards of $90,000,000,000 per year;
Whereas despite the fact that autism is one of the most common developmental 
        disorders, many professionals in the medical and educational fields are 
        still unaware of the best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder; 
        and
Whereas April 2008 would be an appropriate month to designate as ``National 
        Autism Awareness Month'' to increase public awareness of the need to 
        support individuals with autism and the family members and medical 
        professionals who care for individuals with autism: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for designation of a ``National Autism 
        Awareness Month'';
            (2) recognizes and commends the parents and relatives of children 
        with autism for their sacrifice and dedication in providing for the 
        special needs of children with autism and for absorbing significant 
        financial costs for specialized education and support services;
            (3) supports the goal of devoting new resources to researching the 
        root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early 
        intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with 
        autism across their lifespans, and promoting understanding of the 
        special needs of people with autism;
            (4) stresses the need to begin early intervention services soon 
        after a child has been diagnosed with autism, noting that early 
        intervention strategies are the primary therapeutic options for young 
        people with autism, and that early intervention significantly improves 
        the outcome for people with autism and can reduce the level of funding 
        and services needed to treat people with autism later in life;
            (5) recognizes the shortage of appropriately trained teachers who 
        have the skills and support necessary to teach, assist, and respond to 
        special needs students, including those with autism, in our school 
        systems; and
            (6) recognizes the importance of worker training programs that are 
        tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons, including 
        those with autism, and notes that people with autism can be, and are, 
        productive members of the workforce if they are given appropriate 
        support, training, and early intervention services.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.