HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8396

2026 -- H 8396
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LC004533
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives McGaw, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Spears,
Paplauskas, DeSimone, Boylan, Kennedy, and Ajello

Date Introduced:
April 02, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Autism is a neurological condition that can profoundly affect a person's
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ability to communicate, process, and respond to sensory information, making it challenging for
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them to relate to others and the world around them; and
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WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States,
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affecting about 1 in every 31 children, and, based on 2025 statistics from the Centers for Disease
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Control and Prevention, Autism has grown at a startling rate with a 175 percent increase over the
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past decade; and
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WHEREAS, Typically appearing during the first three years of life, Autism is the result
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of neurological differences in the brain that affect the functioning of the brain. Autism knows no
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racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, but is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls; and
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WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas
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of research, diagnostic practices, and therapies for individuals with Autism; and
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WHEREAS, A variety of causes, including environmental toxins and genetics, are all
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being studied in relation to Autism, but to date, there is no identifiable cause for autism; and
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WHEREAS, Research indicates that early, intensive, sustained, and appropriate
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intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life, level of independent
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functioning, and reduction of public costs associated with Autism; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims April of 2026, to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it

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further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes the achievements made by various
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individuals and agencies across the state who have improved the quality of life for those with
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Autism and their families, and supports the continuation of their efforts through greater
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awareness, understanding, and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter.
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