HR0852 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0852 LRB094 19213 HSS 54762 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect one in 166 people - not a small number; one could populate a large city with people affected by ASD, yet most parents and providers report that theirs is a solitary struggle; and

WHEREAS, Parents and providers who care for children with ASD experience overwhelming feelings of frustration and isolation as they search for appropriate diagnostic and treatment resources; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois currently provides resources to Autistic families such as The Autism Program (TAP) and the Illinois Training and Technical Assistance Program (ITTAP); and

WHEREAS, The Autism Program was created by the Illinois General Assembly in response to the need for training, consultation, and services for the State's growing number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and was designed to create and enhance community networks that promote best practice in the diagnosis, treatment, and education of children with ASD; and

WHEREAS, The Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness Committee has held hearings emphasizing the need for increased services to the autism community, including increased funding; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Autism Society will be bringing individuals to the Capitol to discuss these increased needs with Senators and Representatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby proclaim March 23, 2006, as Autism Parents Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Autism Society.