Whereas, Autism is a complex developmental disability that manifests during the first 3 years of life and results in a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain; and,

Whereas, According to the Autism A.L.A.R.M. issued from The Department of Health and Human Services, The Center for Disease Control, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The Medical Home Initiatives and First Signs, it is reported that 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and 1 out of 6 children are diagnosed with a developmental disorder and or behavioral problem; and,

Whereas, Autism affects social interaction, communication skills, and over one and a half million people in the United States have some form of an autism spectrum disorder including High Functioning Autism, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, autism knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries and neither income, lifestyle, nor education affects the occurrence; and,

Whereas, Michigan has experienced a 100 percent increase in autism in the last 5 years, occurring in approximately one of every 166 individuals, including one of every 63 children in special education in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Autism Spectrum Disorders are more common than Downs Syndrome, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis and many forms of childhood cancer and autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and has been found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds; and,

Whereas, Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in the areas of research, medicine, diagnostic issues, and therapies for autism, resulting in improved quality of life for those with autism and their loved ones and accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and intervention are vital to the future growth and development of the individual; and,

Whereas, Accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and interventions are vital to the growth and development of the individual, it is important to continue research and advocacy efforts to find a cure and to improve understanding of autism; and,

 Whereas, Unlocking Autism along with many other state representatives is making plans for Autism Awareness rallies, conferences and other various actives to promote Autism Awareness throughout the month of April; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2005, as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan and encourage efforts to promote awareness of and fostering for the understanding of autism.