HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Proclamation �s µon,r�
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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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and caused the seal of Lexingtan to be affixed herewith on the 215t of
March 2022.
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IILL 1.HAI,C JO tff1.PATO
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SUZ E E.B UGLAS .LUCEtJTE
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MARK A.SANREE;V
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