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WHEREAS, autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, currently affecting more than three million people across the country, and is an urgent public health crisis that demands a national response; and,
WHEREAS, autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and,
WHEREAS, symptoms and characteristics of autism may present themselves in a variety of combinations and can result in significant lifelong impairment of an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal as well as nonverbal communication; and,
WHEREAS, while the effort to address autism continues, doctors, therapists, and educators can help persons with autism overcome or adjust to its challenges by providing early, accurate diagnoses and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that are so vital to an affected individual’s growth and development; and,
WHEREAS, it should be the shared goal of all residents of our city to ensure that persons living with autism have access to the lifelong care and services needed to pursue the fullest measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is honored to take part in the annual observance of Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding of the disorder in our community and beyond; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby asks for all Pittsburghers to help raise the public awareness of autism and the many issues surrounding the disorder, and does hereby declare April, 2016 to be “Autism Awareness Month” in the City of Pittsburgh.