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WHEREAS, In the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Bernard Rimland, the father of a son with autism, who later founded the Autism Society of America and the Autism Research Institute, helped the medical community understand that autism is not caused by unloving parents but rather is a biological disorder; and,
WHEREAS, Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders and it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined; and,
WHEREAS, Autism Speaks passionately pursues answers to the causes and biological problems of autism by identifying the nature of the disorder and the best treatment and how to give families practical working solutions within their environment; and,
WHEREAS, Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen the concerns of the autistic community and take action to address this urgent global health crisis; and,
WHEREAS, Autism Speaks is promoting autism awareness with an upcoming event titled "Walk Now for Autism Speaks" to be held Saturday, June 26 at Mellon Arena; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Autism Speaks for the job they do in educating the public about Autism and being an advocate for the autistic community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, June 22, 2010, to be "Autism Speaks Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.