[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 71 (Friday, April 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E442-E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING GUAM'S AUTISM COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION OF APRIL 
                      2022 AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F. Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2022

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Autism 
Awareness Month. During this month of April 2022, we take the time to 
recognize our autism community while reflecting on the ways we can 
improve our efforts to foster awareness, cultivate acceptance, and 
facilitate change for individuals and families affected by autism. I 
would like to further commend Guam's Autism Community Together (ACT) 
for their continued leadership in advancing these very priorities both 
over the past month and year-round.
  Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex, lifelong developmental 
disability that can cause significant social, emotional, communication, 
and behavioral challenges. It is the fastest-growing developmental 
disability in the United States, with a prevalence that has risen from 
1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 54 in 2020. This disorder affects 
more than 70 million people worldwide, and in Guam, 273 students within 
the Guam Department of Education have autism. However, this number does 
not include hundreds of others on our island who are adults, students 
outside of the public school system, and those that may be undiagnosed.
  The entire world has shared in over two years of innumerable 
challenges imposed by COVID-19, but it is of the utmost importance that 
we do not let this hinder us from extending compassion and care to 
others. Groups like the autism community face a unique set of obstacles 
that have been exacerbated by the global pandemic, and it is critical 
that we remain steadfast in actively working to improve the quality of 
life for individuals with autism and their families. Over the years, we 
have made strides in increasing autism awareness, but much more lies 
ahead for us to accomplish. Part of this work includes a commitment to 
bridging the gap between mindful awareness and meaningful action. With 
a collective effort to drive the movement forward by connecting the 
two, we can simultaneously break down stigmas and build a society which 
accepts and appreciates all people. Moreover, by supplementing 
awareness with more opportunities in education, employment, accessible 
housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services, 
we can ensure that people with autism have the tools to live fully in 
all areas of life.
  ACT has tirelessly advocated for these objectives since 2004, and 
this year, they have admirably brought the 2022 theme, ``Every Piece 
Matters--Accept & Support Autism,'' to life with various events and 
projects for the entire island community to participate in. Namely, 
they hosted an Autism Awareness Wave and Parade, their annual Autism 
Awareness Fair, a Funtastic Park Day, a Family Duck Ride Adventure, 
Movie Day, Bowling Day, 2K/5K Sunset GLOW Run, and a Mass of 
Thanksgiving. They are also scheduled to host a Golf Tournament today 
and have maintained a vital platform for our local legislature and 
administration to recognize the autism community.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to reflect upon the importance of coming 
together as a community and supporting those who have been affected by 
Autism Spectrum Disorder. Moreover, I am humbled to serve in pursuit of 
a more inclusive society which fosters understanding and celebrates our 
differences. On behalf of the people of Guam, I thank Autism Community 
Together as well as other non-profit organizations, government 
agencies, service providers, support vendors, and community partners 
across the island who are committed to providing the information, 
resources, programs, and services necessary for

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meeting the unique needs of our autism community. I look forward to 
their future contributions and the change we can affect for individuals 
and families in Guam and throughout the Nation.

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