Proclaiming April of 2026, as "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Autism is a neurological condition that can profoundly affect a person's ability to communicate, process, and respond to sensory information, making it challenging for them to relate to others and the world around them; and

WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting about 1 in every 31 children, and, based on 2025 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 175 percent increase over the past decade; and

WHEREAS, Typically appearing during the first three years of life, Autism is the result of neurological differences in the brain that affect the functioning of the brain. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, but is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls; and

WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas of research, diagnostic practices, and therapies for individuals with Autism; and

WHEREAS, A variety of causes, including environmental toxins and genetics, are all being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no identifiable cause for autism; and

WHEREAS, Research indicates that early, intensive, sustained, and appropriate intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life, level of independent functioning, and reduction of public costs associated with Autism; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April of 2026, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes the achievements made by various individuals and agencies across the state who have improved the quality of life for those with Autism and their families, and supports the continuation of their efforts through greater awareness, understanding, and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter.