[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 16717-16718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06949]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 64 / Wednesday, April 5, 2017 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 16717]]


                Proclamation 9586 of March 31, 2017

                
World Autism Awareness Day, 2017

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the 
                importance of addressing the causes and improving the 
                treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We 
                also recognize the importance of identifying ASDs early 
                in a child's life and of understanding the obstacles 
                faced by people living on the autism spectrum. 
                Together, we celebrate the many ways individuals with 
                ASDs enhance our daily lives and make priceless 
                contributions to our schools, workplaces, and 
                communities.

                Autism spectrum disorders affect an estimated one out 
                of every 68 children in America. Individuals and 
                families living with autism come from diverse 
                backgrounds. These families face enormous challenges in 
                assisting their loved ones over the course of their 
                lifetimes. As those with ASDs reach early adulthood, 
                families are often faced with even greater obstacles 
                than during childhood, including planning for the 
                successful transition into adulthood and independent 
                life.

                We are hopeful that our Nation's efforts will result in 
                significant advancements related to autism diagnosis 
                and treatments in the months and years ahead. Ongoing 
                efforts to scan the human genome carry significant 
                potential to better manage the disorder and, 
                ultimately, find a cure. My Administration will 
                continue to work with the Congress to implement the 
                21st Century Cures Act and help to clear the way for 
                breakthroughs in medical science. Together, we will 
                turn scientific discoveries into real solutions for 
                people with complex health issues like autism.

                Cutting edge therapies and lifelong treatments can 
                impose enormous burdens and expenses on the families of 
                people with autism spectrum disorders. I applaud the 
                efforts by Members of Congress to enact tax-free 
                savings vehicles for families of people with 
                disabilities and ASDs. I also encourage the ongoing 
                public-private efforts to develop new technologies to 
                prevent wandering and keep individuals with ASDs safe.

                For generations, men and women living on the autism 
                spectrum have made extraordinary contributions in the 
                fields of science, technology, art, literature, 
                business, politics, and many other professions. Yet the 
                world still has a great deal to learn about ASDs. We 
                must continue our research to improve early 
                identification and intervention, strengthen our 
                comprehension of the disorder, and open opportunities 
                for every member of our society to live independently 
                and live the American Dream. My Administration is 
                committed to promoting greater knowledge of ASDs and 
                encouraging innovation that will lead to new treatments 
                and cures for autism.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, Donald J. Trump, 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 Sunday, April 2, 
                2017, as World Autism Awareness Day. I invite all 
                Americans to Light it Up Blue, which Melania and I will 
                do at the White House. I call upon all Americans to 
                learn more about the signs of autism to improve early 
                diagnosis, understand the challenges faced by those 
                with autism spectrum disorders, and to do what they can 
                to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
                and their families.

[[Page 16718]]

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

[FR Doc. 2017-06949
Filed 4-4-17; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P