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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, April is World Autism Month, and April 4, 2023, is |
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being set aside as Texas Autism Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, |
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providing a fitting opportunity to honor the Autism Society of |
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America and the Autism Society of Texas for their outstanding work |
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to promote better understanding of autism; and |
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WHEREAS, Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental |
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condition that typically appears during early childhood, and it can |
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impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and |
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self-regulation; according to the Centers for Disease Control and |
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Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring |
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Network, about 1 in every 44 children in the United States is |
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identified with autism spectrum disorder, compared with 1 in 150 |
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three decades ago; and |
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WHEREAS, One of the oldest autism-focused grassroots |
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organizations in the United States, ASA launched a nationwide |
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effort in 1970 to promote autism awareness and improve the quality |
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of life for those affected by the disorder; the organization went on |
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to establish a branch in Texas in 1990, and since then, ASA and AST |
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have supported and empowered countless Texans through initiatives |
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such as the Navigating Autism helpline, in-person and virtual |
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support groups, and education and advocacy efforts; today, the |
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organizations have expanded their missions to emphasize the |
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importance of promoting inclusivity and accepting those in the |
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autism community; and |
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WHEREAS, The cause of autism is unknown, but therapy and |
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support services can dramatically improve outcomes; early |
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diagnosis and intervention are crucial to help people living with |
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autism use their skills and talents to reach their full potential; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 4, 2023, as Texas Autism |
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Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and encourage all Texans to learn |
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more about autism; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the Autism Society of America and the Autism Society of |
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Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of |
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Representatives. |