2022 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Proclamation

Browse Search

�s µon,r� � ``�' ",; f�� �'�� ,3� �ab�t� nf �.exit�gtpri, �C.a��ac�ju�ett� `,r ,�,�,, : f� � SELECT BOARD OFFICE PROCLAMAZ'iON Whereas: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ("autism") is a developmental disability that can cause significant social,communicarion and behavioral challenges;and Whereas: autism can cause challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, and can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, or sacioeconomic background;and Whereas: autism is often accompanied by medical conditions that impact quality of life;and Whereas: geople with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from neurotypical people. 1'he learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged with varying needs for suppart;and Whereas: the prevalence of autism in the United States is 1 in 54 children according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Develapmental Disabilities Monitoring{ADDM)Network;and Whereas: children and adults with autism are our family members,friends,neighbors,and co-workers;and Whereas: each individual with autism is unique,with their own talents and qualities;and Whereas: individuals with sutism benefit from specialized services and community suppart to ensure their health and safety and full participatian in community life;and Whereas: individuals with autisrn,families,professionals,and community members are supported through connections with athers and the sharing of resaurces;and Whereas: the resilience of families and individuals with autism is strengthened through support;and Whereas: we value what is important to people with autism and their families,who are striving to live everyday lives;and Whereas: positive outcomes increase for individuals with autism when training is provided to prafessionals across all systems,including those in justice,healthcaze,and emergency response settings;and Whereas: the aims far Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month aze to inform our cammunity about both the potential and needs of people with autism and to stress the importance of early diagnasis and early intervention,as well as the importance of praviding apprapriate supports that continue through adulthood;and Whereas: Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is an opportunity to acknowledge educators sp�ializing in effective teaching strategies,and to celebrata the many achievements of adolescents,students,and adults with autism. NOW, THEREFDRE, WE, THE SELECT BOARU of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the month of April to be recognized annually as Autism Awareness and Acceptanee Month in the Tawn of Lexington and pledge our support and encouragernent to all those affected by autism.