Senate approves resolution to recognize April as Autism Awareness Month
LANSING — The Michigan Senate approved a resolution Wednesday to recognize April as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan, said Sen. Randy Richardville, co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 141.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder that impacts an individual’s communication skills, social interaction and behavior.
“Educating the public about autism is critical in helping with early diagnosis and intervention,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “I encourage citizens to take the time this month to educate themselves about autism and also to reach out to support their families, friends, neighbors and community members who may have loved ones with autism.”
Individuals who have autism often have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects and events.
Current research indicates that up to one out of every 110 children born today will be diagnosed with ASD. More than 1.5 million families in the United States are currently affected by it.
The number of children with autism in Michigan public schools increased by more than 100 percent, from 5,680 to 11,366, between 2001 and 2006.
Posted: Thursday, April 15, 2010
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