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Proclamation recognizing Autism Awareness Month in Allegheny County and congratulating Pittsburgh Autism Speaks on its 20th anniversary of its walk.
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WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly known as autism, is a complex developmental disability that can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges; and
WHEREAS, the causes for autism are unknown, but likely include a few specific environmental and genetic factors, and there is no known cure. With early identification and intervention, it is possible that individuals with autism can achieve their greatest potential; and
WHEREAS, in April 1970, the Autism Society held the first National Autism Awareness Month. Since then, autism has become the fastest growing developmental disability in the world, with the diagnosis rate of children with autism increasing from 1 in every 2,000 children in the 1970's and 1980's to 1 in every 59 children today in the United States; and
WHEREAS, on June 9, 2019, Pittsburgh Autism Speaks will celebrate its 20th anniversary of its annual walk at Schenley Park. Started in 2000 it was then known as Walk F.A.R. for NAAR and it raised funds to support the mission of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). In 2005, the organization along with the Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE) and Cure Autism Now (CAN) helped form Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of people with autism; and
WHEREAS, during Autism Awareness Month, let us honor the advocates, professionals, family members, and all who work to build a brighter tomorrow alongside those individuals with autism. We need to continue to work on developing a world that is free of barriers and full of understanding and acceptance of the differences that make us strong;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Allegheny County Council Members Pat Catena, Cindy Kirk and All Members of Council, do hereby recognize April 2019 a...
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