2025 -- S 0919
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LC002576
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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. 2025
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2025, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Senator Jessica de la Cruz
Date Introduced: March 28, 2025
Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
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 36 children, and, based on 2020 statistics from the Centers for Disease 5
Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 175 percent increase over the 6
past decade; 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 times more prevalent in boys than in girls; and 10
WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas 11
of research, diagnostic practices, and therapies for individuals with Autism; and 12
WHEREAS, A variety of causes, including environmental toxins and genetics, are all 13
being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no identifiable cause for autism; and 14
WHEREAS, Research indicates that early, intensive, sustained, and appropriate 15
intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life, level of independent 16
functioning, and reduction of public costs associated with Autism; now, therefore be it 17
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April of 18
2025, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further 19
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RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby recognizes the achievements made by various 1
individuals and agencies across the state who have improved the quality of life for those with 2
Autism and their families, and supports the continuation of their efforts through greater 3
awareness, understanding, and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and be it further 4
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 5
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. 6
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LC002576
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