Senator LINDA R. GREENSTEIN
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
Designates April 2nd of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
A Joint Resolution designating April 2nd of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day.”
Whereas, Autism, which is often called autism spectrum disorder in order to reflect the wide range of disabilities and the intensity of symptoms associated with it, is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects the social, learning, and behavioral skills of its sufferers; and
Whereas, Autism manifests itself uniquely in each child that it affects, and is characterized by communication difficulties, social interaction problems, and the need for sameness or repetition in behavior; and
Whereas, Significant improvement is often possible if an individual with autism receives early diagnosis and treatment; and
Whereas, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects 1 out of 110 children in the United States, and the prevalence of autism in New Jersey is among the highest in the nation, with 1 in 94 children affected; and
Whereas, Autism strikes regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, or geography, and a child is diagnosed with autism every twenty minutes; and
Whereas, On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution No. 62/139, designating April 2 of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day” and encouraging all United Nations member states to take measures to raise awareness about autism, early diagnosis, and early behavioral intervention; and
Whereas, The aims for World Autism Awareness Day are to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism, stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, and celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The second day of April in each year is designated as “World Autism Awareness Day” to raise awareness of the widespread nature of autism, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation recognizing April 2nd of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day” and calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
This joint resolution declares the second day of April of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day” to raise awareness of the scope and impact of autism in our State and around the world. Autism is a developmental disability that affects, on average, 1 in 110 children in the United States, with New Jersey having one of the highest rates in the nation at 1 in 94 children. Autism strikes regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, or geography, and affects each person in a different way. The United Nations has recognized the global impact of autism, culminating with the passage of UN Resolution No. 62/139, which calls on all member nations to recognize April 2nd of each year as “World Autism Awareness Day,” a day in which all nations educate the public about autism, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism.