3/27/2012: Session

Senator Huntley speaking in support of this resolution:

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew  M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2012, as Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York
 
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2012, as Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, "Autism Spectrum Disorders", or ASDs, refers to neurobiological conditions including Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett's Synrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders; and

WHEREAS, ASDs, the third most common type of developmental disability in the United States, are afflictions occurring in children before the age of three, and are recognized by unresponsiveness to human contact, deficits in language  development, and peculiar reactions to environmental stimuli; and

WHEREAS, Affecting over 1.5 million Americans, the cause or causes of ASDs are unknown; and

WHEREAS, One in every 110 children nationally are diagnosed with an ASD; and

WHEREAS, ASDs know no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, and diagnoses are four times more prevalent in boys than girls; and

WHEREAS, ASDs  interfere with the normal development of children's reasoning, social interaction, and communication skills, causing those diagnosed to have difficulty relating to others; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in the areas of  research, medicine, diagnostics, and therapies for ASDs, resulting in improved quality of life for those with ASDs and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, It is in  the interest of New York State to recognize the achievements made and to continue these efforts by promoting awareness  and fostering understanding of ASDs; and

WHEREAS, Autism Awareness Month has been recognized nationally since  1996; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2012, as Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
  
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to  The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.