Autism Awareness 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,

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

WHEREAS, Autism Awareness Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and prioritize the inclusion of autistic individuals and their families; and,

WHEREAS, in 2021, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data, 1 in 27 boys identified with Autism and 1 in 116 girls identified with Autism. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls; 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;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2022 as AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations