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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Markosek |
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Markosek resolution to raise autism awareness adopted in House
HARRISBURG, April 2 – The House of Representatives today unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, declaring April 2, 2008, as "World Autism Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
Markosek said that to address and curtail the far-reaching effects of autism on the global population, further funding must be devoted to finding a cause and cure, while awareness must be increased to promote greater recognition, understanding and support, along with earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment of autism.
"There’s a saying that it’s never really important until it’s your child, but I am asking for every Pennsylvanian to search his or her soul and have empathy for the children and parents who are coping with this disorder," Markosek said. "This year, more children will be diagnosed with autism than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. We must be supportive of those who are afflicted and continually seek ways to increase awareness and fund research efforts.
"We don’t know the cause or the cure for autism, but treatment is available and most effective when initiated at an early age," Markosek added.
Cited as the fastest-growing neurobiological disorder in the world, autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability which impairs an individual's ability to verbally and nonverbally communicate, as well as to socially interact with others.
According to the Autism Society of America, the prevalence of autism has increased exponentially within the last six years, affecting individuals and families in epidemic proportions across the globe.
In the United States, the Autism Society of America reports that 1.5 million children have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, translating into one in 150 births and one in 94 boys being diagnosed at a rate of 67 children per day and approximately one new case every 20 minutes.
In Pennsylvania, approximately 74,000 individuals are currently on the autism spectrum.
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