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
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.