WHEREAS, Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and continues through an individual's lifespan; and

WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting over 2 million Americans, 1 in 88 babies born; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 54 boys are affected, as opposed to 1 in 252 girls; and

WHEREAS, Many children are not diagnosed until after 4 years of age, often because of lack of recognition of autism characteristics by general practitioners; and

WHEREAS, There are many different characteristics in individuals with autism, including delayed or deficient communication, decreased or unresponsive social interaction, unusual reaction to normal stimuli, a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play, and behavioral challenges; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cause and no known cure for autism, however with aggressive and continuous therapy, some individuals can learn to acclimate to their environment and mitigate symptoms of their disability; and

WHEREAS, Applied Behavior Analysis has become widely accepted among health care professionals and used in many schools and treatment clinics. Applied Behavior Analysis encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills and tracks and measures a child's progress; and

WHEREAS, Autism can create significant stress on the families of those affected by autism; and

WHEREAS, All individuals with autism should be included and regarded as valuable members of our community; and

WHEREAS, Families, caregivers, advocates, and organizations, such as the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, Autism Society of Washington, Northwest Autism Center, Families for Effective Autism Treatment, and The Arc of Washington State, are striving to bring about positive changes for children and adults with autism; and

WHEREAS, Through research, training, public services, support groups, advocacy, and increased awareness, we will be more understanding, inclusive, and better equipped to support the growing number of individuals with autism and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and support individuals with autism and acknowledge the tremendous courage that they and their families put forth every day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Honorable Jay Inslee.