Res. No. 638
Resolution recognizing this and every April as Autism Awareness Month in the City of New York.
By Council Members Ulrich, Arroyo, Cabrera, Chin, Constantinides, Deutsch, Eugene, Johnson, Levine, Rose, Vallone, Cohen, Levin, Koslowitz, Weprin, Williams, Richards, Miller, Rosenthal, Rodriguez, Lander, Van Bramer, Dromm, Wills, Greenfield and Kallos
Whereas, According to Autism Speaks (AS), autism and autism spectrum disorder, also called ASD, are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development; and
Whereas, The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) advises that autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain; and
Whereas, DOHMH further advises that the exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research, and that there are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism; and
Whereas, DOHMH states that these disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors; and
Whereas, DOHMH also informs that many parents of autistic children see some of the symptoms of autism by the time the child is 18 months, and seek help by the time the child is age 2; and
Whereas, DOHMH also says that children with autism typically have difficulties in areas such as pretend play, social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication; and
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with ASD, and that this new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with an ASD; and
Whereas, the CDC also reports that the data continue to show that ASD is almost five times more common among boys than girls: 1 in 42 boys versus 1 in 189 girls, and that Caucasian children are more likely to be identified as having ASD than are Black or Hispanic children; and
Whereas, The CDC reports that ASD is treatable by early intervention services that help children from birth to 3 years old learn important skills, and that services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others; and
Whereas, According to Shema Kolainu/Hear Our Voices (SK), a non-profit multi-cultural school in New York City that provides treatment, education and mentoring for persons in the autism community, several studies have shown that early, intensive instruction using such methods as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) may result in dramatic improvements; and
Whereas, SK also informs that ABA therapy can develop the child's social and emotional skills, allowing them to convey their feelings either verbally or through use of what is known as an Alternative Communication device, which can range from a simple picture board to touch-screen voice output systems; and
Whereas, According to Autism Daily Newscast (ADN), finding a "cure" to ASD is tricky, because autism is a disorder that shows up as a series of symptoms, rather than as a particular biological reaction in the body; and
Whereas, ADN reports that it is possible to decrease the effect the symptoms of the disorder have on an individual, with proper interventions, and that studies have shown that intensive early behavioral interventions can improve symptoms and lead to a better quality of life in adulthood; and
Whereas, ADN also states that while no particular approach has been shown to "cure" autism, it is possible to help people with autism overcome their challenges, and for many to live happy, productive lives and
Whereas, The United Nations (UN), by resolution, established World Autism Awareness Day in 2007, observed on April 2 every year since 2008; and
Whereas, The main components of the UN resolution include, in addition to establishing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, the participation of UN organizations, member states and non government organizations in raising awareness of autism at all levels of society; and
Whereas, Observance of World Autism Awareness Day occurs yearly in April throughout the United States, including Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles; and
Whereas, On World Autism Awareness Day in 2014, in New York City, the Empire State Building and 30 Rockefeller Center, were illuminated in "autism blue"; and
Whereas, The Eighth Annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2015, and autism organizations around the world will mark the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events; and
Whereas, According to the UN, the upcoming WADD will be recognized by all member states; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New recognizes this and every April as Autism Awareness Month in the City of New York.
MB
LS 3697
3/12/15