Florida Senate - 2018                             (NP)    SR 366
       
       
        
       By Senator Campbell
       
       
       
       
       
       38-00534-18                                            2018366__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution designating April 1-7, 2018, as “Autism
    3         Awareness Week” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong
    6  developmental disability resulting in impairment of an
    7  individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive
    8  behaviors, and understand verbal, nonverbal, and reciprocal
    9  communication, and
   10         WHEREAS, autism, the result of a neurological disorder
   11  affecting brain function, affects one in every 68 children and
   12  millions nationwide, but few understand this complex disorder,
   13  and
   14         WHEREAS, although no cure for autism has been found,
   15  individuals with the disability can receive help to reach their
   16  greatest potential with accurate, early diagnosis and
   17  appropriate education and intervention, which are vital
   18  components to the future growth and development of those
   19  affected by the disorder, and
   20         WHEREAS, support groups, such as the National Autism
   21  Registry and the Florida affiliate of the Autism Society of
   22  America, have dedicated years of service to their ongoing
   23  efforts to promote awareness of the needs of individuals with
   24  autism and to advocate for their rights, including the right to
   25  dignity, respect, and appropriate education and employment,
   26  while these groups also remain deeply committed to enabling
   27  families, professionals, and the general public to better
   28  understand the effects of this lifelong disability, and
   29         WHEREAS, autism is a complex neurological disorder that
   30  requires continued research to find treatment options to help
   31  those affected by it and to provide families with education,
   32  awareness, and acceptance, NOW, THEREFORE,
   33  
   34  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   35  
   36         That April 1-7, 2018, is designated as “Autism Awareness
   37  Week” in Florida and that all citizens are encouraged to
   38  acknowledge the necessity for the continuing search for the
   39  cause of the disorder and a concerted effort to understand and
   40  support those individuals and their caregivers who are touched
   41  by this disability.