Assembly Resolution No. 421

BY: M. of A. Mayer

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 12, 2017, as Asperger's Syndrome Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12, 2017, as
Asperger's Syndrome Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1944, Dr. Hans Asperger was the first to describe this
syndrome as a mild, high-functioning disorder on the autism spectrum;
and

WHEREAS, The medical community developed diagnostic skills that have
led to better and earlier diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome since the
early 1990s; for many years, children were typically diagnosed between
the ages of 8 and 11; with improved diagnostic tools and better informed
providers, children as young as pre-school are now being diagnosed and
receiving treatment; and

WHEREAS, Many adults have not been diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome although they display the typical symptoms; Asperger's Syndrome
is generally considered to have a strong genetic component with a
significantly higher percentage of males; and

WHEREAS, Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome include: impairments
in socialization and communication; difficulty in interpersonal
relations; unawareness of people's feelings and responses; problems
reading facial expressions and voice inflections; narrow interests;
repetitive routines, speech and language peculiarities; motor
clumsiness; and strong interest in systems; in addition, many people
with Asperger's are savant in either math, music or the arts; and

WHEREAS, Asperger's Syndrome does not go away, and children do not
"grow out" of it; there is no cure; and

WHEREAS, Schools must be cognizant of bullying of Asperger's
students who are often ridiculed as "weird" or "geeks"; and

WHEREAS, Treatment and therapy must be directed at development of
social skills recognizing no two individuals with Asperger's Syndrome
are exactly alike; medication may be necessary to help with depression
and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health syndrome, and more must be done to increase activity
at the State, local and national levels to support the patients as well
as their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12, 2017, as
Asperger's Syndrome Day 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.