AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism, both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development, are characterized in varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder, which includes more than 966,000 children. Texas has the second largest population of children with autism with over 96,000 Texas children living with an autism spectrum disorder. This number is projected to increase by 20 percent to 115,000 children by 2028.
Early diagnosis and intervention are of paramount importance to its effective treatment. Once autism is diagnosed, behavioral intervention can dramatically improve the outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder.
There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder and Autism Awareness Month provides an important opportunity for sharing information about this often misunderstood condition and emphasizes the benefits of early diagnosis.
S.C.R. 28 recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month to raise awareness of this disorder.
Since the 1970s, April has been set aside as National Autism Awareness Month in order to inform the public about autism and issues within the autism community. Autism spectrum disorder and autism are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. They are characterized by varying levels of difficulty in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 68 children is affected by autism, compared with one in 150 a decade ago. The Autism Society calculates that more than 3.5 million Americans of all ages live with an autism spectrum disorder. The cause of this disorder is unknown, but behavioral intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure effective treatment that can help these valuable members of society use their skills and talents to reach their full potential.
RESOLVED
That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize April 2015 as Autism Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about autism spectrum disorder.