Autism Awareness Month

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 function of the brain; and,
 
Whereas, Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries and currently affects over 1.5 million families in the United States and 14,000 children within the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, The Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism, which includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs; and,
 
Whereas, Over one and a half million people in the United States have some form of an autism spectrum disorder, which encompasses autism, high functioning autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders; and,

Whereas, Autism spectrum disorders are more common than Downs syndrome, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and many forms of childhood cancer; and,

Whereas, Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls, which is why early diagnosis and education are vital to the growth, development and quality of life of individuals with autism and their loved ones; and,

Whereas, Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in the areas of research, medicine, diagnostic issues and therapies; therefore, it is essential to continue research and advocacy efforts to find a cure and to improve understanding of autism;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2010 Autism Awareness Month in Michigan. I encourage all citizens to promote early screening to increase early intervention for children throughout the state and also to educate the public on autism.