[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 349 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 349

 Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as ``National Autism 
  Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to devote new resources to 
    research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve 
training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for 
                        individuals with autism.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 21, 2009

 Mr. Reichert (for himself, Mr. Gerlach, and Mr. Bachus) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for 
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as ``National Autism 
  Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to devote new resources to 
    research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve 
training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for 
                        individuals with autism.

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 2009 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.
                                 <all>