[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 64 (Thursday, April 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AUTISM AFTER 21 DAY

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, April is National Autism Awareness 
Month. Although much of our focus is on the challenges that children 
with autism face, today I wish to recognize April 21 as Autism After 21 
Day, representing the age when Federal services for children end and 
adulthood begins.
  In declaring this day, we draw attention to the fact that there are 
millions of Americans with exceptional gifts who need our help in 
overcoming the unique challenges that they face. In Maryland, 
approximately 1 in 55 8-year-old children have autism, and I am 
committed to ensuring that these kids are empowered to live independent 
and fulfilling lives. As someone who has personally employed 
individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, I can attest to the 
outstanding talents that this population brings to the workforce.
  I am so proud of the organizations in my State that are working 
tirelessly to address these needs. To celebrate their work and advocate 
for adults all over this Nation with ASD, I call on the Senate to 
recognize Autism After 21 Day and acknowledge the millions of people 
who are navigating an uncertain adulthood to reach their full 
potential.
  We all must work together to ensure that this journey is not lonely 
and isolated. Rather, these individuals must be recognized as an 
important part of our communities. Twenty-eight years after the passage 
of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, adults with ASD deserve 
access to the goals set by the ADA: equality of opportunity, full 
participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
  Thank you.

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