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Proclamation naming the month of April 2015 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the social, communication and behavioral skills of those affected by it; and
WHEREAS, as more health professionals become proficient in diagnosing autism, more children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, resulting in rates as high as 1 in 68 children nationally, a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years; and
WHEREAS, while there is no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if individuals with autism receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, they lead significantly improved lives; and
WHEREAS, individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community support services to ensure their health and safety and to support families' resilience as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism can present; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders- ABOARD's Autism Connection of PA and Autism Speaks are two organizations committed to providing support to individuals with autism, and their families. Their work to bring awareness and advocacy and to raise funds to aid the cause is unmatched and increases the hope that one day a cure will exist;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council hereby proclaims April 2015 as AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH in Allegheny County, and we urge all residents to participate in National Autism Awareness Month activities, in order to become better educated about autism and create a better community for individuals with autism.