Autism Acceptance Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges with signs that begin during childhood and typically continue through a person’s life; and

WHEREAS, many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, processing information, or interacting with or reacting to things and these individuals are our classmates, colleagues, friends, and loved ones and greatly contribute their strengths, talents, and abilities to their communities in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, autism varies greatly from person to person with no two people being alike; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for autism, but a holistic system of therapies and supports can meet the needs of individuals and their families; and

WHEREAS, numerous member-led organizations throughout Virginia provide support and services to autistic individuals and their families, and advocate tirelessly at all levels of government for their full inclusion and opportunity in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and prioritize the inclusion of autistic individuals and their families and honors self-advocates and all who work every day to create more opportunities in our communities; and

WHEREAS, this month, and every month, we celebrate the numerous ways individuals with autism enrich our world;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2023, as AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations