Senator Fuschillo Cosponsors Resolution Designating April as “Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month”

        Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently cosponsored a legislative resolution designating April as "Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month" in New York State. The Senate passed the measure during a recent legislative session.

        "Autism is continuing to affect individuals throughout our communities. Recent estimates are that one in 88 children are affected by autism spectrum disorders. Designating April as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month’ is another way to raise awareness about autism and the growing impact it has on families,” said Senator Fuschillo.

        Autism Spectrum Disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that autism affects one in 88 children. More children are affected by autism than those with AIDS, diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome combined.

        Senator Fuschillo has been a staunch supporter of the fight against Autism. Most recently, he authored New York State’s autism insurance reform law. The law will enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The law will save families with autism tens of thousands of dollars a year in out of pocket costs for autism treatment and therapies which many insurance companies refuse to cover. The law takes effect on November 1st.

Text of the 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.