H.R. No. 1490
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders are complex lifelong
developmental disabilities that typically appear during the first
three years of life and result from neurological disorders that
affect different functions of the brain; and
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders affect the normal
development of the brain in the areas of social interactions,
communication skills, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped
patterns of behavior, interest, and activity; and
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders are one of the fastest
growing serious developmental disabilities in the United States and
affect up to as many as 1 in 150 individuals, more than 2,000,000
individuals nationally, and over 23,000 children in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The number of children under the age of 21 with
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Texas is projected to increase to
62,000 by 2028; and
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders have a wide range of
implications on the entire family of the diagnosed individual and
know no racial, ethnic, geographical, or socioeconomic boundary;
and
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders require early detection,
intervention, more diagnostic research, professional educational
training, and therapy to aid in reducing the effects of Autism
Spectrum Disorders, not only for the individuals diagnosed but also
for their families; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas needs educators, parents,
doctors, service providers, caregivers, first responders,
legislators, and the public to better understand this disability
and continue to address this growing problem; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the month of April 2009 as Autism
Awareness Month.
Thompson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1490 was adopted by the House on April
21, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House