Whereas, Autism is a complex developmental disability that manifests during the first three years of life and results in a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain; and,

Whereas, Over 1.5 million families in the United States are currently affected by autism, and the Autism Society of America estimates that the annual cost associated with autism is over $90 billion and projects that these costs could be reduced by 2/3 or more with early diagnosis and intervention; and,

Whereas, Autism affects social interaction and communication skills, and over one and a half million people in the United States have some form of an autism spectrum disorder including High Functioning Autism, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder; and,

Whereas, Autism knows no racial, ethnic, income, lifestyle, education or social boundaries; and,

Whereas, Autism Spectrum Disorders are more common than Downs Syndrome, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis and many forms of childhood cancer and autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls; and,

Whereas, Accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and interventions are vital to the growth, development and quality of life of individuals with autism and their loved ones, and over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in the areas of research, medicine, diagnostic issues and therapies; and,

Whereas, It is essential to continue research and advocacy efforts to find a cure and to improve understanding of autism; and, 

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2007, as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan, and I encourage efforts to promote early screening to increase early intervention for children throughout the state, and also to educate the public on Autism Spectrum Disorders.