IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 349 

Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as ‘‘National Autism Awareness Month’’ and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research 

into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and 

support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals 

with autism. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

APRIL 21, 2009 

Mr. REICHERT (for himself, Mr. GERLACH, and Mr. BACHUS) submitted the 

following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 

Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, 

for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case 

for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 

committee concerned 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as ‘‘National Autism Awareness Month’’ and supporting efforts 

to devote new resources to research into the causes and 

treatment of autism and to improve training and support 

for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism. 

Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically 

diagnosed during the first 3 years of life, robbing individuals of their ability to communicate and interact with 

others; 


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•HRES 349 IH 

Whereas autism affects an estimated 1 in every 150 children 

in the United States; 

Whereas autism is four times more likely to occur in boys 

than in girls; 

Whereas autism can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or other factors; 

Whereas it costs approximately $80,000 per year to treat an 

individual with autism in a medical center specializing in 

developmental disabilities; 

Whereas the cost of special education programs for schoolage children with autism is often more than $30,000 per 

individual per year; 

Whereas the cost nationally of caring for persons affected by 

autism is estimated at upwards of $90,000,000,000 per 

year; 

Whereas despite the fact that autism is one of the most common developmental disorders, many professionals in the 

medical and educational fields are still unaware of the 

best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder; and 

Whereas April 2009 would be an appropriate month to designate as ‘‘National Autism Awareness Month’’ to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with autism and the family members and medical 

professionals who care for individuals with autism: Now, 

therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the United States House of Rep2 resentatives— 

3 (1) expresses support for designation of a ‘‘Na4 tional Autism Awareness Month’’; 


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1 (2) recognizes and commends the parents and 

2 relatives of children with autism for their sacrifice 

3 and dedication in providing for the special needs of 

4 children with autism and for absorbing significant fi5 nancial costs for specialized education and support 

6 services; 

7 (3) supports the goal of devoting new resources 

8 to researching the root causes of autism, identifying 

9 the best methods of early intervention and treat10 ment, expanding programs for individuals with au11 tism across their lifespans, and promoting under12 standing of the special needs of people with autism; 

13 (4) stresses the need to begin early intervention 

14 services soon after a child has been diagnosed with 

15 autism, noting that early intervention strategies are 

16 the primary therapeutic options for young people 

17 with autism, and that early intervention significantly 

18 improves the outcome for people with autism and 

19 can reduce the level of funding and services needed 

20 to treat people with autism later in life; 

21 (5) recognizes the shortage of appropriately 

22 trained teachers who have the skills and support 

23 necessary to teach, assist, and respond to special 

24 needs students, including those with autism, in our 

25 school systems; and 


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•HRES 349 IH 

1 (6) recognizes the importance of worker train2 ing programs that are tailored to the needs of devel3 opmentally disabled persons, including those with 

4 autism, and notes that people with autism can be, 

5 and are, productive members of the workforce if they 

6 are given appropriate support, training, and early 

7 intervention services. 

Æ 


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