BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  SCR 69
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   April 19, 2012

                             ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
                                Nancy Skinner, Chair
                    SCR 69 (Pavley) - As Amended:  April 16, 2012
           
          SUBJECT  :   California Autism Awareness Month.

           SUMMARY  :   Designates April 2012 as California Autism Awareness 
          Month; affirms the Legislature's commitment to autism spectrum 
          disorders (ASDs) issues; emphasizes that every individual with an 
          ASD is a valued member of society; commends the individuals and 
          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, 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 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, 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.








                                                                  SCR 69
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           FISCAL EFFECT  :   None

           REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :

           Support 
           
          None on file.
           
          Opposition 
           
          None on file.
           
          Analysis Prepared by  :    Kelli Adams / RLS. / (916) 319-2800