House Concurrent Resolution 64

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MR. DONALD TRIPLETT AS AUTISM'S FIRST CHILD.

WHEREAS, Mr. Donald Triplett was born in September 1933, in Forest, Mississippi; as a young man Mr. Triplett struggled with social interaction, which led to his parents institutionalizing him in 1937, in a time when there were no other alternatives; and

WHEREAS, while this time was difficult for Mr. Triplett, a revolutionary discovery was made in 1943, when Mr. Triplett became the first child ever diagnosed with autism and a 1943 medical journal entry called him "Case 1 Donald T."; and

WHEREAS, while at the time of the discovery autism was exceedingly rare, the year Mr. Triplett was diagnosed there were only ten other children diagnosed with autism; and

WHEREAS, though Mr. Triplett was diagnosed with this condition 73 years ago, he is leading a happy, full life and enjoys the company of friends, driving his own car and playing golf whenever possible; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being an accomplished golfer, Mr. Triplett is also a high school and college graduate, earning his high school diploma at a local high school in Forest, and earning a bachelor's degree in French from Millsaps College, in 1958; and

WHEREAS, though the road to Mr. Triplett's success in life has included many obstacles and detours foreign to the average experience, he has proven to be far above average in many ways, both in character and in his commitment to bettering himself and the world around him; and

WHEREAS, his life is an example not just for those affected by autism, his life serves as an example for all people, to live life fully and with passion to pursue the things that make you truly happy; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize such outstanding individuals such as Mr. Donald Triplett, who overcame adversity to live as a shining example for how everyone should live their lives, because even though life is not always easy or fair, the inherent value in every day lived well is immeasurable:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize Mr. Donald Triplett as Autism's First Child, and commend his immense contributions to the State of Mississippi and extend our best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Donald Triplett and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.