SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 458

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Harlingen in recognizing April 4, 2015, as Harlingen Area Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, Persons with autism and autism spectrum disorder typically have varying levels of difficulty in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication and manifest repetitive behaviors; both are disorders in brain development that can affect any individual, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or geography; and

WHEREAS, One in 68 children in the nation are diagnosed with autism, and this incidence is significantly higher than 10 years ago; Texas has more than 96,000 children living with a form of autism spectrum disorder, the second largest population of children in the United States diagnosed with the spectrum; and

WHEREAS, There is no known single cause for autism, yet early diagnosis and intervention are paramount to effective treatment and can dramatically improve outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Harlingen Area Autism Awareness Day is being celebrated in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month and is an opportunity to inform the general public about autism and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals who live with the autism spectrum disorder; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize the citizens of Harlingen and the surrounding area for their efforts to raise awareness of autism and autism spectrum disorder and extend to them best wishes for a successful Harlingen Area Autism Awareness Day; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a memento of this special day.

Lucio

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 7, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate