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Recognizing April 2014 as Autism Awareness Month in honor of individuals living with Autism, their families and those working to improve the quality of life for the entire Autism community.
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WHEREAS, April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), describes a group of brain disorders that affect social interactions, communication and other behaviors; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1 in every 68 children, that is 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls, in the United States are on the Autism Spectrum; and
WHEREAS, The CDC's findings, demonstrating a significant increase in the prevalence of Autism, echoes the findings of the Pennsylvania Autism Census Project led by the ASERT Collaborative at Drexel University, which found that the number of Pennsylvanians with Autism receiving services nearly tripled from 2005 to 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Autism Census Project found that, in Philadelphia alone, the number of individuals receiving services has more than doubled and statewide individuals with Autism are experiencing alarming rates of contact with the justice system. Of additional concern, is despite increased awareness many adults with Autism remain mis- or un-diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been an international leader in the fight for individuals with Autism. Under the Department of Public Welfare, the Office of Developmental Programs was created along with the Bureau of Autism Services; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has been recognized as one of the top five cities in America to live for people who have Autism; it is the home of cutting edge research, experimental studies that identify best practices and inclusive approaches to support individuals living with Autism and expand their mainstream opportunities, contributing to an enhanced quality of life for individuals with Autism and their families; and
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