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WHEREAS, the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2015 with a mission to promote awareness and educate people regarding autism, the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting more than three million people; 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, doctors, therapists, and educators can help persons with autism overcome or adjust to its challenges and provide early, accurate diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that are vital to future growth and development; and,
WHEREAS, thereby ensuring that persons living with autism have access to the lifelong care and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and,
WHEREAS, join Autism Speaks Greater Pittsburgh Chapter at their annual "Walk Now for Autism Speaks Pittsburgh" which will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at Schenley Park; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of 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; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare April 2, 2015 as "World Autism Day" and April, 2015 to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the City of Pittsburgh.