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 Michigan
Proclaims April 2005 as Autism Awareness Month
Office of the Governor, April 2005
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Whereas, Autism
is a complex developmental disability that manifests during the
first 3 years of life and results in a neurological disorder
that affects the functioning of the brain; and,
Whereas, According to the Autism A.L.A.R.M. issued from The
Department of Health and Human Services, The Center for Disease
Control, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The Medical Home
Initiatives and First Signs, it is reported that 1 in 166
children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and 1
out of 6 children are diagnosed with a developmental disorder
and or behavioral problem; and,
Whereas, Autism affects social interaction, communication
skills, and over one and a half million people in the United
States have some form of an autism spectrum disorder including
High Functioning Autism, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, autism knows no racial, ethnic
or social boundaries and neither income, lifestyle, nor
education affects the occurrence; and,
Whereas, Michigan has experienced a 100 percent increase in
autism in the last 5 years, occurring in approximately one of
every 166 individuals, including one of every 63 children in
special education in Michigan; and,
Whereas, Autism Spectrum Disorders are more common than Downs
Syndrome, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis and many
forms of childhood cancer and autism is four times more
prevalent in boys than girls and has been found throughout the
world in families of all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds;
and,
Whereas, Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been
made in the areas of research, medicine, diagnostic issues, and
therapies for autism, resulting in improved quality of life for
those with autism and their loved ones and accurate, early
diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and
intervention are vital to the future growth and development of
the individual; and,
Whereas, Accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate
education and interventions are vital to the growth and
development of the individual, it is important to continue
research and advocacy efforts to find a cure and to improve
understanding of autism; and,
Whereas, Unlocking Autism along with many other state
representatives is making plans for Autism Awareness rallies,
conferences and other various actives to promote Autism
Awareness throughout the month of April; and now therefore be
it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of
Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2005, as Autism Awareness
Month in Michigan and encourage efforts to promote awareness of
and fostering for the understanding of autism.
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