SENATE RESOLUTION NO.14
(By Senators Prezioso, Edgell, Hunter,
Bowman, McKenzie, Helmick,
Ross, McCabe, Anderson, Caldwell, Jackson, Snyder, Bailey, Unger,
Fanning, Kessler, Minard, Plymale, Sharpe, Mitchell, Love, Rowe,
Oliverio, Facemyer, Redd, Burnette, Boley, Minear, Sprouse,
Wooton, Craigo and Tomblin, Mr. President)
Designating April, 2002, as "Autism Awareness Month" and April 27,
2002, as "Autism Awareness Day".
Whereas, Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder of the
brain; and
Whereas, Symptoms of autism, including impaired social
interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communications and
severely limited activities and interests usually appear during the
first three years of childhood; and
Whereas, The incidence of autism is increasing at an alarming
rate. Current estimates indicate autism affects one out of 300
children nationwide and in some parts of the nation the rate is as
high as one out of 150 children; and
Whereas, As a society concerned about the health and welfare
of our children, we must make a conscious effort to raise awareness
about disorders which rob our children of their youth and vitality;
and
Whereas, Awareness of these disorders and contributions toward finding workable treatment or the elimination of such disorders
must be visions for the future of our children; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates April, 2002, as "Autism
Awareness Month" and April 27, 2002, as "Autism Awareness Day" in
an effort to raise awareness in West Virginia of this debilitating
disorder which robs children of normal lives; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Resources and officials of the Unlocking Autism
Society.