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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Autism is a complex neurological disease and developmental disability that robs children of social skills, the ability to talk, interact and do the normal things that are often taken for granted, transcending all social, cultural and geographic boundaries;· and
WHEREAS, the CDC recently announced another alarming increase in Autism afflicting "one in every sixty-eight children" born today and afflicts boys nearly five times the level of girls (1 in 42 boys & 1 in 189 girls). It has been diagnosed at a higher rate than Pediatric Aids, Juvenile Diabetes, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Pediatric Cancers combined and is considered to be our country's number one medical condition afflicting children today and is considered among the fastest growing global public health crisis 's, and (30% increase since 2008, 78% increase from 2002, recent increase is noted by 2010 numbers). *Source Center for Disease Controls (CDC); and
WHEREAS, Autism is treatable through early diagnosis, early intervention including critical intensive medically necessary therapies such as Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, ABA therapy, RDI floor time, and other behavior therapies, combined with medical interventions have been proven to be extremely effective often unlocking the world of Autism to enable these beautiful children the ability to communicate and interact with the ultimate goal of a independent and fulfilling productive life; and
WHEREAS, the month of April is World Autism Month and the global autism community will celebrate the seventh annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Campaign to bring awareness. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), celebrated on April 2 annually, was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. W AAD activities increase and develop world knowledge of the autism crisis and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe. Autism is one of only three health issues to be recognized by the United Nations with its own day.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the month of April 2014 as AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH in Cook County to promote awareness and early detection of Autism and ask residents to recognize April as "World Autism Awareness Month."
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