BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SCR 69|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 69
Author: Pavley (D), et al.
Amended: 3/26/12
Vote: 21
SUBJECT : California Autism Awareness Month
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution designates April 2012 as
California Autism Awareness Month, and affirms the
Legislatures commitment to the important issues related to
autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and emphasizes that each
and every individual with an ASD is a valued and important
member of our society.
ANALYSIS :
Resolution findings:
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
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 this cost is estimated to exceed
$200 billion in 10 years.
CONTINUED
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3. Most school districts in California have seen a doubling
of students pupils with ASDs in the past five years.
The number of Californians with ASDs who are served by
the State 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. 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.
5. The Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related
Disorders has appointed regional autism taskforces task
forces that are comprised of consumers and their family
members, advocates, providers, researchers, and other
experts in the area of ASDs, and other stakeholders, to
provide assistance to, and to support the work of, the
select committee. Senator Steinberg, as Chair of the
Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders,
has established the Statewide Coordinating Council of
Autism Taskforces that consists of the leadership of the
regional autism taskforces task forces and has provided
input and integrated recommendations for consideration
by the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related
Disorders.
6. In 2009, the Senate Committee on Rules, pursuant to
Senate Rule 12.5, established the Senate Select
Committee on Autism and Related Disorders and this
committee has appointed regional autism taskforces.
This resolution designates April 2012 as California Autism
Awareness Month, and affirms the Legislature's commitment
to the important issues related to ASD, and emphasizes that
each and every individual with an ASD is a valued and
important member of our society.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SCR 69
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SUPPORT : (Verified 3/27/12)
Association of Regional Center Agencies
The Help Group
Joy Nolan Community Services
CTW:do 3/28/12 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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