H.R. No. 854 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The seventh annual Autism Awareness Walk is being held in Corpus Christi on April 20, 2013; and WHEREAS, Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disorder that generally appears in the first three years of life and affects the brain's normal development of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function; in 2000, the prevalence rate of autism was one in every 150 children; it is now one in every 88, which translates to an estimated 299,900 Texans with the disability; and WHEREAS, The annual Autism Awareness Walk, which was started by Coastal Bend Autism Advocacy, is sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center, which works to provide affordable support services and make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families; and WHEREAS, The Autism Awareness Walk is fostering a greater understanding of a disorder that affects the lives of many Texans, and it is most fitting to recognize this important event; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the seventh annual Autism Awareness Walk in Corpus Christi and extend sincere best wishes to all participants for a meaningful and memorable event. Herrero ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 854 was adopted by the House on March 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House