BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SCR 29
Page 1
Date of Hearing: May 9, 2011
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Nancy Skinner, Chair
SCR 29 (Pavely, et al.) - As Amended: April 28, 2011
SENATE VOTE : 37-0
SUBJECT : California Autism Awareness Month.
SUMMARY : Designates April 2011 as California Autism Awareness
Month; affirms the Legislature's commitment to the important
issues related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); emphasizes
that every individual with an ASD is a valued member of society;
commends the parents and relatives of individuals with ASDs and
the work of nonprofit organizations contributing to the
well-being of individuals with ASDs and their families; and,
stresses the need to identify children with ASD to begin early
intervention services after diagnosis and for integrated,
seamless, comprehensive, and competent services and supports for
individuals with ASDs and their families. Specifically, this
resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1)ASDs now impact one out of every 110 children and one in every
70 boys in the United States; and, ASDs are the fastest
growing serious developmental disability, making these
disorders more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome combined.
2)Many Californians are not adequately informed about ASDs and
the value and importance of early identification, assessment,
and treatment of these disorders; and, scientific research
demonstrates that early identification and intervention can
result in significant positive outcomes in many children with
ASDs.
3)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.
4)The Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders
established in 2009 has appointed regional autism taskforces
to assist and support the work of the Committee; and in 2007,
SCR 29
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the Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism submitted its
report, "An Opportunity to Achieve Real Change for
Californians with Autism Spectrum Disorders," which provided
specific findings and recommendations.
FISCAL EFFECT : None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
None on file.
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by : Anna McCabe / RLS. / (916) 319-2800