BILL NUMBER: SCR 32	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Beall
   (Coauthors: Senators Allen, Hueso, McGuire, Mendoza, Pan, and
Pavley)

                        MARCH 16, 2015

   Relative to Autism Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 32, as introduced, Beall. Autism Awareness Month.
   This measure would designate the month of April 2015 as Autism
Awareness Month and would encourage residents to show support for
autism awareness.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting
the social, communication, and behavioral skills of those affected by
it; and
   WHEREAS, More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism
spectrum disorder; and
   WHEREAS, More children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum
than ever before with diagnoses as high as one in 68 births
nationally; and
   WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability,
and in this country the prevalence of autism in children increased by
119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010; and
   WHEREAS, Only 16.8 percent of the population with disabilities is
employed; and
   WHEREAS, There is no cure for autism, but it is well-documented
that if individuals with autism receive treatment early in their
lives, it is often possible for those individuals to lead
significantly improved lives; and
   WHEREAS, Individuals with autism often require a lifetime of
specialized and community support services to ensure their health and
safety, and to support families' resilience as they manage the
psychological and financial burdens autism presents; now, therefore,
be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates the month of
April 2015 as Autism Awareness Month and encourages residents to show
support for autism awareness; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.