[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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 au

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tism 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.
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.
DONALD J. TRUMP