Bill Text: MI SR0141 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution recognizing April 2010 as Autism Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-14 - Adopted [SR0141 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SR0141-Introduced.html
Senators Hunter and Richardville offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 141.
A resolution recognizing April 2010 as Autism Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term used to cover a variety of developmental disabilities, including autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified; and
Whereas, Autism is a neurobiological disorder that impacts an individual’s communication skills, social interaction, and behavior; and
Whereas, ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls; and
Whereas, Individuals with ASD often have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects, and events; and
Whereas, Current research indicates that up to 1 of every 110 children born today will be diagnosed with ASD; and
Whereas, Over 1.5 million families in the United States are currently affected by autism; and
Whereas, The Autism Society of America estimates that the annual cost associated with autism in the United States is over $90 billion and projects that these costs could be reduced by two-thirds or more with early diagnosis and intervention; and
Whereas, The number of children with autism in Michigan public schools increased by over 100 percent from 5,680 to 11,366 between 2001 and 2006; and
Whereas, It is likely that due to misdiagnosis and cases not yet diagnosed, the number of individuals actually touched by autism is considerably higher than currently believed; and
Whereas, Education concerning autism is a critical part of increasing early diagnosis and intervention for individuals with autism; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 2010 as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge all Michiganians to use this month as an opportunity to educate themselves about autism, and reach out to support members of their communities with autism spectrum disorder.
