|
HARRISBURG, MARCH 28, 2007: The Senate
this week unanimously approved a resolution designating the month of
April as Autism Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, according to state
Sen. Mike Stack.
“By
designating April as Autism Awareness Month, Pennsylvania can spur
more research and education,” said Stack,
who authored the resolution.
“Researchers
have found that if children with autism get treatments by age three,
their impairments can be lessened. Through raising awareness, we can
improve the quality of life for people who live with autism and for
future generations.”
Autism is a
developmental disability that often interferes with a person’s
ability to communicate with and relate to others. Symptoms range
from mild to severe.
The symptoms
usually appear during the first two or three years of life, and is
four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
While the cause of
this developmental disability is still unclear, some blame the
vaccine preservative thimerosal. Researchers are also looking at
genetic causes.
“Although
autism is still a mystery, the statistics are striking as the number
of people who are diagnosed grows,” said Stack. “The number
of people across the U.S. diagnosed with autism over the past
fifteen years has risen by a staggering two thousand percent.”
One in every 150
children nationwide has some form of autism, according to the latest
research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This
study relied only on data from public schools, so the statistics may
be even higher if we include private schools and home-schooled
children.
Numerous families
across Pennsylvania are affected by autism.
“In Pennsylvania
alone, one in 190 children have some form of autism, and 75,000
people across the state have some form of autism,” Stack said.
The state is responding to this growing issue. The
Department of Public Welfare has created a Bureau of Autism Services
to provide expertise and support for
all state agencies that serve Pennsylvanians with autism.
Also, autism
advocacy groups have done their part to promote awareness and
understanding of autism.
The Philadelphia
Phillies are doing their part raise awareness of this developmental
disability.
On Saturday, April
28, the Phillies are hosting Autism Awareness Night at Citizens Bank
Park along with two local autism groups. A portion of ticket
proceeds will go to the local autism support groups.
Stack will be
participating in the event and encourages families to attend the
baseball game for a good cause.
“If you enjoy
baseball or want to enjoy a night with family and friends, join me
for Autism Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park,” Stack said.
#### |
