[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 413 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 413

 Supporting the designation of April 2012 as National Autism Awareness 
                                 Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 29, 2012

Mr. Casey submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
          Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the designation of April 2012 as National Autism Awareness 
                                 Month.

Whereas autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex 
        developmental brain disorders known as pervasive developmental 
        disorders, commonly known as autism spectrum disorders;
Whereas autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results in difficulties 
        with communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive 
        behaviors;
Whereas autism affects individuals differently, mildly affecting some and 
        significantly disabling others;
Whereas according to a 2012 report published by the Centers for Disease Control 
        and Prevention, as of 2008, autism affects an estimated 1 in every 88 
        children in the United States, including 1 in 54 boys, which is a 23-
        percent increase from 2006;
Whereas autism is 4 times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls;
Whereas autism can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or other 
        factors;
Whereas the lifetime incremental cost of caring for a person with autism is 
        $3,200,000;
Whereas the cost nationally of caring for persons affected by autism is 
        estimated to be at least $90,000,000,000 per year;
Whereas the number of autistic adults grows daily and, absent fundamental 
        breakthroughs, will continue to increase in the years and decades ahead;
Whereas it is both a moral and fiscal imperative that services be made available 
        that maximize the potential of each unique adult living with autism to 
        contribute to the greatest extent possible to the society and economy of 
        the United States;
Whereas it is well established that early intervention can improve outcomes by 
        significantly improving the cognitive, language, and adaptive skills of 
        people with autism;
Whereas the promise of early intervention is not being realized as close to 80 
        percent of adults with autism, even those without an intellectual 
        disability, are unemployed and living at home with relatives rather than 
        independently;
Whereas a variety of physical, medical, and mental-health issues may accompany 
        autism, resulting in marked functional impairment in all activities of 
        daily living;
Whereas these conditions may include epilepsy, Down syndrome, fragile X 
        syndrome, gastrointestinal problems, immune-system disorders, sleep 
        disturbance, sensory integration dysfunction, and metabolic disorders;
Whereas many individuals on the autism spectrum face co-occurring mental-health 
        challenges, including anxiety, obsessive compulsions, and depression;
Whereas individuals living with autism are highly valued and deserve the highest 
        level of dignity and acceptance by society; and
Whereas April 2012 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 Senate--
            (1) expresses support designating April 2012 as National 
        Autism Awareness Month;
            (2) recognizes and commends both individuals living with 
        autism and the parents and relatives of those individuals for 
        the sacrifice and dedication in providing for the special needs 
        of autistic individuals and for absorbing financial costs for 
        specialized education, medical clinical interventions, and 
        support services;
            (3) recognizes that--
                    (A) autism is a major public health crisis that is 
                taking an enormous toll on millions of families who 
                need answers that can come only through further 
                research;
                    (B) meeting the education, employment, and service-
                provision needs of individuals on the autism spectrum 
                is a clear and compelling public policy issue that 
                requires a rapid national response; and
                    (C) individuals and families are desperate to 
                access services that are, at this point, inadequate to 
                meet the current and growing needs of individuals with 
                autism;
            (4) stresses the need to begin early intervention services 
        soon after a child has been diagnosed with autism, noting that 
        there is a strong consensus that intensive treatment as soon as 
        possible following diagnosis can significantly improve 
        cognitive functioning, language, and adaptive behavior, reduce 
        the cost of lifetime care, and yield the most positive life 
        outcomes for children with autism;
            (5) recognizes--
                    (A) the importance of assistance in the areas of 
                comprehensive early intervention, health, recreation, 
                job training, employment, housing, transportation, and 
                early, primary, and secondary education; and
                    (B) that with access to, and assistance with, this 
                type of service and support, individuals with autism 
                can live rich, full, and productive lives;
            (6) recognizes that services for transitioning youth and 
        adults with autism are an especially pressing need, as are 
        services that enhance the safety of individuals with autism of 
        any age; and
            (7) recognizes that by providing adequate service and 
        support at crucial points in life, adults with autism can 
        become tax-paying citizens with productive and rewarding lives.
                                 <all>