Senate Resolution No. 38

Offered by Senators Hertel, Geiss, Chang, Brinks, Bayer, Horn, Alexander, Bizon, Bumstead, Daley, Hollier, Irwin, LaSata, Lauwers, MacDonald, McBroom, McCann, Moss, Nesbitt, Outman, Polehanki, Santana, Stamas, VanderWall, Victory, Wojno and Zorn

A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 2021 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

WHEREAS, Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 54 individuals are diagnosed with autism and there are over 3.5 million people in the United States who have autism. No matter where these individuals are at on the spectrum, they are all unique and talented in every way; and

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to some of the most incredible individuals who made history while also being on the autism spectrum, including:

Kodi Lee, 2019 winner of America s Got Talent;
Armani Williams, the first driver with autism in National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) history;
Xavier DeGroat, the first known White House intern with autism;
Walker Aurand, the first American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) hockey player with autism at Davenport University;
Anthony Ianni, the first Division One college basketball player with autism in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) history, playing for Coach Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans; and

WHEREAS, Since 1970, April has been recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Beginning in April 2007, the United Nations recognized April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, There is a need for more acceptance in the autism community. Families and advocates within the community believe that bringing more awareness to those outside the autism community is not enough. It is time for the autism community to gain the acceptance that it rightfully deserves from society both as a community and as individuals; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of Autism Acceptance Month is to increase public acceptance and appreciation of the diverse range of abilities and talents of those who are on the autism spectrum, as well as families, educators, advocates, and providers affected by it; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 2021 as Autism Acceptance Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we join with the individuals and loved ones in the autism community to support their endeavor for much deserved acceptance of their abilities and talents, but more importantly, acceptance as individuals.

Secretary of the Senate

Adopted by the Senate, April 14, 2021.