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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR09-028 Autism Awareness Month/? Commissioner ~~~ ~~~"1~'~- E'"t moved adoption of the folio ing Resolution: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO RESOLUTION N0.2009- ~, z. Designation of Apri12009 as Autism Awareness Month WHEREAS, Autism is a lifelong disability manifesting both a spectrum of medical conditions and neurological impairments of an individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive social behaviors, and understand verbal, nonverbal, and reciprocal communication; and WHEREAS, this year more children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than with pediatric cancers, AIDS and juvenile diabetes combined, with a new case diagnosed every twenty minutes nationwide; and WHEREAS, 1 in every 150 children in the US will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, right now Autism is the fastest-growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the world; and WHEREAS, Today 1 out of every 169 eight-year-olds in Colorado has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, while it is estimated that almost 25,000 Colorado families are living on the Autism Spectrum statewide, and WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorders currently cost the U.S. economy over $90 billion per year and are projected to grow to between $200-$400 billion per year by 2010, a Strategic Plan for Autism is desperately needed; and WHEREAS, qualified early diagnosis and intervention has proven to reduce lifelong care costs associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders from 66 percent up to 90 percent; and WHEREAS, there is no cure for Autism and the cause remains a mystery, with accurate, early diagnosis and proper healthcare, treatment, educational and community services persons with Autism can be helped to reach their greatest potential and succeed in life; and WHEREAS, encouraging all children be screened for autism at least once before their second birthday and children with or at risk for autism receive appropriate diagnostic and intervention services as early as possible; and WHEREAS, there is no current standards or provision for the health coverage of therapy and treatment associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, currently Colorado families pay the highest out-of- pocket cost for the treatment of Autism in the nation; and WHEREAS, Autism is a complex disability that requires increased research to one day find a cure and prevention; greater recognition and understanding is needed to ensure that individuals with Autism living in our community, our state, and throughout the nation, are accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated throughout their lives; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO: THAT the annual observance of Autism Awareness Month in Eagle County shall be every April, advocating for parity, individual rights, qualified healthcare, appropriate education and community services for all persons with autism spectrum disorders, while promoting the education of families, training of professionals, and increasing public awareness to better understand the needs and challenges associated with this lifelong disability. MOVED, READ AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado, at its regular meeting held the 31st day of March, 2009. COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO, by and Through Its BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: ~..~i ~'"eait J. Simonton Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners * By: Sara J. Fisher, Chairman ~; _ Peter F. Runyon, .:Eom~nissioner Jon v Commissioner seconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The roll having been called, the vote was as follow Commissioner Fisher C~~~~ Commissioner Runyon Commissioner Stavney c~ This Resolution passed by3~ vote of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado,