BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SCR 29|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
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|327-4478 | |
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 29
Author: Pavley (D), et al.
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SUBJECT : California Autism Awareness Month
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution designates April 2011 as
California Autism Awareness Month, affirms the Legislatures
commitment to the important issues related to autism
spectrum disorders (ASDs), emphasizes that each and every
individual with an ASD is a valued and important member of
our society, recognizes and commends the parents and
relatives of individuals with ASDs for their sacrifice and
dedication in providing for the special needs of
individuals with ASDs, recognizes and commends the work of
all nonprofit organizations that are contributing to the
well-being of individuals with autism and their families,
stresses the need to identify children with ASD and begin
early intervention services immediately after a childhood
diagnosis, and stresses the need for these intervention
services, as well as supports, for individuals with ASDs
and their families in an integrated, seamless,
comprehensive, and competent manner that is delivered
across the child's lifespan.
ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following
legislative findings:
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1. ASDs now impact one out of every 110 children, and one
in every 70 boys, in the United States and are the
fastest growing serious developmental disability, making
these disorders more common than pediatric cancer,
diabetes, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
combined.
2. The prevalence of autism is increasing by 10 to 17
percent annually and ASDs cost the nation over $35
billion per year, and is estimated to exceed $200
billion in 10 years.
3. Most school districts in California have seen a doubling
of students with ASDs in the past five years. The
number of Californians with ASDs who are served by the
Department of Developmental Services now exceeds 50,000,
which is a number that has increased fivefold since
1998, and is more than 12 times what it was in 1987.
4. Many Californians are not adequately informed about ASDs
and the value and importance of early identification,
assessment, and treatment of these disorders.
5. Current scientific research demonstrates that the early
identification of and intervention with children with
ASDs can result in significant positive outcomes in many
children with ASDs.
6. The Legislature supports the goal of increasing research
to learn the root causes of autism and identify the best
methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding
programs for individuals with autism across their
lifespan, and promoting understanding of the special
needs of people with autism.
7. Parents and family members have made invaluable
contributions through their commitment, care, and
advocacy, to important advances in research, education,
and treatment for individuals with ASDs.
8. Public information and awareness efforts are of
paramount importance in accelerating early
identification efforts and the proliferation of early
intervention programs and services.
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This resolution designates April 2011 as California Autism
Awareness Month, affirms the Legislature's commitment to
the important issues related to ASDs, emphasizes that each
and every individual with an ASD is a valued and important
member of our society, recognizes and commends the parents
and relatives of individuals with ASDs for their sacrifice
and dedication in providing for the special needs of
individuals with ASDs, recognizes and commends the work of
all nonprofit organizations that are contributing to the
well-being of individuals with autism and their families,
stresses the need to identify children with ASD and begin
early intervention services immediately after a childhood
diagnosis, and stresses the need for these intervention
services, as well as supports, for individuals with ASDs
and their families in an integrated, seamless,
comprehensive, and competent manner that is delivered
across the child's lifespan.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/6/11)
Alpha Delta Kappa, Beta Eta Chapter, Roseville
Autism Society of Los Angeles
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Community Coaching Center
Comprehensive Autism Center, Inc.
Developmental Disabilities Board Area 9
East San Gabriel Valley / SELPA
Educate.Advocate
Housing Consortium of the East Bay
Jay Nolan Community Services
Los Angeles Chapter of Autism Speaks
North Los Angeles County Regional Center
Orange County Autism Regional Taskforce
Pride Industries
Riverside County Transition Partnership Program
Spectrum Center Schools
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
United Cerebral Palsy
Wings Learning Center
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CTW:mw 4/6/11 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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