2023 -- H 6264
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LC002693
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2023, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Ajello,
Spears, Carson, McNamara, Cotter, and Craven
Date Introduced: April 06, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, Autism is a neurological condition that can profoundly affect a person's 1
ability to communicate, process, and respond to sensory information, making it challenging for 2
them to relate to others and the world around them; and 3
WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, 4
affecting about 1 in every 44 children, and, based on statistics from the Centers for Disease 5
Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 10 percent increase in 6
prevalence nationally; and 7
WHEREAS, Typically appearing during the first three years of life, Autism is the result 8
of neurological differences in the brain that affect the functioning of the brain. Autism knows no 9
racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, but is four and one-half to five times more prevalent in boys 10
than in girls; and 11
WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas 12
of research, diagnostic practices, and therapies for individuals with Autism; and 13
WHEREAS, A variety of causes, including environmental toxins and genetics, are all 14
being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no identifiable cause for Autism; and 15
WHEREAS, Research indicates that early, intensive, sustained, and appropriate 16
intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life, level of independent 17
functioning, and reduction of public costs associated with Autism; now, therefore be it 18
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 19
LC002693 - Page 2 of 2
proclaims April of 2023, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it 1
further 2
RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes the achievements made by various 3
individuals and agencies across the state who have improved the quality of life for those with 4
Autism and their families, and supports the continuation of their efforts through greater 5
awareness, understanding, and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and be it further 6
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 7
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. 8
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LC002693
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