Title
Special Recognition proclaiming April 2024 as Autism Awareness Month.
Body
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder represents a broad range of conditions that vary from mild to severe, and is characterized by unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, and particular ways of processing sensory information; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that approximately 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, autism typically appears during the first three years of life and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups; and
WHEREAS, over the past several years, significant progress has been made to research, diagnose, and create therapies for individuals with autism; and
WHEREAS, research indicates that early intervention can result in significant improvements in the quality of life and level of independent functioning for individuals with autism.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois hereby proclaims April 2024, as "Autism Awareness Month." This Lake County Board recognizes that each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges, and encourages autism awareness through educational efforts that support people with autism and their families; and
be it further resolved that the Lake County Board calls on all residents to learn more about autism--and the lived experience of those with autism and autism spectrum disorder--from people with autism, and work to build a more welcoming and inclusive community for people with autism.
DATED, at Waukegan, Illinois, on April 9, 2024.