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Proclamation naming April 2017 as “Autism Awareness Month” in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, autism is a developmental disability impacting 1-in-68 children in the United States; and
WHEREAS, autism, for which there is no cure, is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania became the 7th state to pass Autism Insurance Reform through proactive advocacy; and
WHEREAS, over 375,000 people have walked to raise funds and awareness for autism in western Pennsylvania since 2005; and
WHEREAS, over 45,000 on-line resources have been provided to western Pennsylvania residents impacted by autism; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh is in the Autism Treatment Network, one of fourteen cutting-edge medical centers in the country; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is honored to take part in the annual observance of Autism Awareness Month in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding of the disorder in our community and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Allegheny County Council hereby asks for all County residents to help raise public awareness of autism and the many issues surrounding the disorder, and does hereby declare April 2017 to be “Autism Awareness Month” in Allegheny County.