FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 31

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2176L.01I

      Whereas, the incidents of autism continue to soar at an alarming rate. It is estimated that more the 1.5 million Americans live with some form of autism, including more than 100,000 children served under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and

            Whereas, data collected for the Department of Education indicate that the number of children ages 6 through 21 diagnosed with autism served under IDEA has increased by more than 500% in the last decade; and

            Whereas, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently identified 2,801 children between the ages of 3 and 21 as autistic, an increase of 850% from the 294 children identified in 1991; and

            Whereas, the increase in autism spectrum disorder's prevalence across the entire United States is an urgent public health concern, with the frequency of autism spectrum disorders now surpassing that of all types of cancer combined; and

            Whereas, while autism is not a curable disorder, recent studies have shown that early intervention can have dramatic results for children which allows them to enjoy a productive and independent life; and

            Whereas, because many insurance companies and government assistance does not fully cover the costs of services associated with autism, many families are spending in excess of $40,000 to $70,000 a year for services for their children; and

            Whereas, during the month of April the autism community around the United States will be involved in many activities to increase awareness of autism:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize April 27, 2005, as "Autism Awareness Day" and the month of April 2005 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Missouri.