[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 67 (Thursday, April 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 19265-19266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8445]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 67 / Thursday, April 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 19265]]

                Proclamation 8647 of April 1, 2011

                
World Autism Awareness Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly 
                one percent of children in the United States, autism is 
                an urgent public health issue with a profound impact on 
                millions of Americans. World Autism Awareness Day is an 
                opportunity to recognize the contributions of 
                individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the 
                cause of understanding and responding to autism.

                Men and women on the autism spectrum have thrived and 
                excelled in communities across America and around the 
                world. Yet, despite great progress in understanding 
                ASDs, challenges remain for these individuals and their 
                loved ones. For too long, the needs of people living 
                with autism and their families have gone without 
                adequate support and understanding. While we continue 
                to encourage the development of resources for children 
                on the autism spectrum and provide necessary resources 
                for their families, we must also remember that young 
                people with ASDs become adults with ASDs who deserve 
                our support, our respect, and the opportunity to 
                realize their highest aspirations.

                As our understanding of the autism spectrum grows, my 
                Administration remains dedicated to supporting children 
                and adults impacted by autism. Led by the Department of 
                Health and Human Services, we have expanded investments 
                in autism research, public health tracking, early 
                detection, and services--from early intervention for 
                children to improved long-term services and support 
                programs for adults. My Administration maintains a firm 
                commitment to advance autism research and treatment, as 
                well as promote education, employment, and equality for 
                all individuals with autism, from early childhood 
                through employment and community life. We will continue 
                to work with the Congress, experts, and families to 
                improve Federal and State programs that assist 
                individuals with ASDs and their families and to bolster 
                the impact and reach of community support and services. 
                I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism 
                for more information and resources on ASDs.

                With each breakthrough in research and each innovative 
                treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many 
                American families who have been touched by autism. As 
                we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to 
                improving the lives of individuals and families 
                impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from 
                discrimination where all can achieve their fullest 
                potential.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 2 of each year 
                as World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to learn more about autism and 
                what they can do to support individuals on the autism 
                spectrum and their families.

[[Page 19266]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-8445
Filed 4-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P