IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 349 
Expressing support for designation of April 2009 as ‘‘National Autism Aware-
ness 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 ‘‘Na-
tional 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 indi-
viduals with autism. 
Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically 
diagnosed during the first 3 years of life, robbing individ-
uals 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, eth-
nicity, 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 school- 
age 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 com-
mon 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 des-
ignate as ‘‘National Autism Awareness Month’’ to in-
crease public awareness of the need to support individ-
uals with autism and the family members and medical 
professionals who care for individuals with autism: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the United States House of Rep-
resentatives— 
(1) expresses support for designation of a ‘‘Na-
tional Autism Awareness Month’’; 
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•HRES 349 IH 
(2) recognizes and commends the parents and 
relatives of children with autism for their sacrifice 
and dedication in providing for the special needs of 
children with autism and for absorbing significant fi-
nancial costs for specialized education and support 
services; 
(3) supports the goal of devoting new resources 
to researching the root causes of autism, identifying 
the best methods of early intervention and treat-
ment, expanding programs for individuals with au-
tism across their lifespans, and promoting under-
standing of the special needs of people with autism; 
(4) stresses the need to begin early intervention 
services soon after a child has been diagnosed with 
autism, noting that early intervention strategies are 
the primary therapeutic options for young people 
with autism, and that early intervention significantly 
improves the outcome for people with autism and 
can reduce the level of funding and services needed 
to treat people with autism later in life; 
(5) recognizes the shortage of appropriately 
trained teachers who have the skills and support 
necessary to teach, assist, and respond to special 
needs students, including those with autism, in our 
school systems; and 
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•HRES 349 IH 
(6) recognizes the importance of worker train-
ing programs that are tailored to the needs of devel-
opmentally disabled persons, including those with 
autism, and notes that people with autism can be, 
and are, productive members of the workforce if they 
are given appropriate support, training, and early 
intervention services. 
Æ 
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