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Recognizing April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
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WHEREAS: Autism Spectrum Disorder is the result of a neurological disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
WHEREAS: Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 68 children in the United States and approximately 75,000 individuals in Massachusetts as of 2014; and
WHEREAS: Males are almost 5 times more likely to be affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder than females; and
WHEREAS: Autism Spectrum Disorder is estimated to be the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM); and
WHEREAS: Symptoms and characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder present themselves in a variety of combinations and can result in significant lifelong impacts of an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal and nonverbal communication; and
WHEREAS: Early diagnosis and intervention, as well as ongoing support from family, doctors, therapists and educators can positively impact persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder to achieve better outcomes; and
WHEREAS: Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder should have access to appropriate services throughout their lifetime, so that they may achieve their greatest potential and lead happy and productive lives within their communities; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville Board of Aldermen and the Mayor, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2018, to be Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and urge all residents of the City to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.