Senate Concurrent Resolution 591

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 2, 2022, AS "WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY IN MISSISSIPPI" AND ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS OF THE STATE TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR AUTISM AWARENESS.

WHEREAS, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network declares that approximately one in 54 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and

WHEREAS, ASD is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three or four years of life and results from a neurological disorder, which affects the functioning of the brain. ASD affects children in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, ASD is typically characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, interests and activities; and

WHEREAS, on December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as the annual World Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly invites all member states, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including nongovernmental organizations and the private sectors, to observe World Autism Awareness Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of autism; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly encourages member states to take measures to raise awareness throughout society regarding children with autism and requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all member states and United Nations organizations; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/139 also recalls the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to affirm that children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life in conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance, and ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children without disabilities; and

WHEREAS, April 2, 2022, is the 15th Anniversary of the first day proclaimed as World Autism Awareness Day:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 2, 2022, as "World Autism Awareness Day in Mississippi" and encourage residents of the state to show support for autism awareness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the State Board of Education, the State Board of Health and the State Board of Mental Health for appropriate distribution, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.