SJR116: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-5510/2

CMH:klm

2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE

2017 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 116

March 22, 2018 - Introduced by Senators L. Taylor, Feyen and Larson, cosponsored by Representative Murphy. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR116,1,1 Relating to: proclaiming April 2018 as Autism Acceptance Month in Wisconsin.

SJR116,1,5 Whereas, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interactions, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication problems, as well as by unique strengths and differences; and

SJR116,1,8 Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68, or 1.5 percent, of school-aged children have ASD. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls; and

SJR116,1,9 Whereas, it is estimated that more than 3.5 million Americans have ASD; and

SJR116,1,11 Whereas, ASD can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll on the families and children affected; and

SJR116,1,13 Whereas, research shows that early diagnosis of ASD and early intervention can reduce symptoms and lead to significantly improved outcomes; and

SJR116,2,3 Whereas, many children with ASD who receive early and ongoing treatment learn communication skills that allow them to attend school, make friends, and participate in their communities; and

SJR116,2,6 Whereas, early detection and treatment for autistic infants and children also benefits Wisconsin taxpayers by reducing the costs of support services they might otherwise require later in life; and

SJR116,2,9 Whereas, the most obvious signs of ASD typically appear between two and three years of age, but less than half of children with ASD receive developmental evaluations by age three; and

SJR116,2,12 Whereas, increased awareness and acceptance of ASD and its effects is vital to ensure that everyone knows the warning signs and the importance of early detection and treatment; and

SJR116,2,14 Whereas, adults with ASD have lower employment rates and higher rates of complete social isolation than people with other disabilities; and

SJR116,2,16 Whereas, only 58 percent of high school students with autism have a transition plan by age 14; and

SJR116,2,18 Whereas, individuals with ASD can prove to be valuable employees, empowered by their disorder, when a task requires them to be hyperfocused; and

SJR116,2,20 Whereas, the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the ASD community in the world; and

SJR116,2,22 Whereas, April is nationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month and April 2 is recognized as World Autism Awareness Day; and

SJR116,2,25 Whereas, it is time to accept people with ASD and empower them to be as self-sufficient as possible and eliminate any stigma that prevents them from attaining their goals; now, therefore, be it

SJR116,3,2 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature hereby proclaims April 2018 as Autism Acceptance Month in Wisconsin.

SJR116,3,3 (End)