LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2014, as Autism Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014, as Autism Spectrum Disorders
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, "Autism Spectrum Disorders", or ASDs, refers to neurobiologi-
cal 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 environ-
mental 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 diag-
noses 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 2014, 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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.