Sponsored by:
Assemblyman GREGORY E. MYHRE
District 9 (Ocean)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Kanitra, Assemblywoman Flynn and Assemblyman Sauickie
SYNOPSIS
Designates April of each year as “Autism Awareness Month” in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating April as “Autism Awareness Month” in New Jersey.
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by differences in socialization, communication, and behavior that typically appear before three years of age and continue throughout an individual’s lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because individuals with autism may experience a wide range of characteristics, needs, strengths, and challenges; and
WHEREAS, According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, about one in 31 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism; and
WHEREAS, Successful public health initiatives have increased public awareness, improved screening efforts during child wellness visits, and promoted acceptance of individuals with autism within their communities; and
WHEREAS, Building inclusive communities through increased awareness helps break down barriers and reduces stigmatization faced by individuals with autism; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with autism enrich their communities by contributing unique perspectives, talents, and abilities; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey has one of the highest rates of autism in the nation, and the prevalence of autism in the State continues to exceed and outpace the rate of autism in other states; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey is home to extensive resources and programs designed to support individuals with autism and their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey recognizes April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to fostering worldwide support for individuals with autism; and
WHEREAS, It is therefore appropriate to designate April as Autism Awareness Month in New Jersey to raise awareness and acceptance for autism spectrum disorders; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of April of each
year shall be designated as “Autism Awareness Month” to increase awareness of
the diverse experiences of people across the autism spectrum, recognize the
many ways autism affects families, workplaces, schools and communities, its
impact on the residents of this State, and to promote further research on the
disorder.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April of each year as “Autism Awareness Month” in New Jersey, and calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates April of each year as “Autism Awareness Month.”
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disorders characterized by differences in socialization, communication, and behavior that appear before three years of age and last into adulthood. This group of disorders are known as spectrum disorders because individuals with autism present with a variety of characteristics and have a range of needs, strengths, and challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in every 31 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Recent public health initiatives have increased public awareness, childhood screening, and acceptance of individuals with autism. Increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders helps break down barriers and reduces the stigma that individuals with autism face.
New Jersey has one of the highest rates of autism in the United States, with rates expected to continue to rise. The State is home to extensive resources and programs designed to support individuals with autism and their caregivers. Our communities are enriched by the unique perspectives, talents, and abilities that individuals with autism contribute. Due to this, it is fitting and proper to designate April as Autism Awareness Month to increase the awareness of the of the diverse experiences of people across the autism spectrum, recognize the many ways autism affects families, workplaces, schools and communities, and its impact on the residents of this State.