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Bill > SJR36


NJ SJR36

NJ SJR36
Designates April of each year as "Autism Awareness Month" in NJ.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This resolution designates April of each year as "Autism Awareness Month" in New Jersey to coincide with National Autism Awareness Month. Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by atypical development in socialization, communication, and behavior, symptoms that generally appear before three years of age and continue over a lifetime. People with autism face a variety of communication, socialization, safety, and financial challenges. Although there is no known cure for autism, research suggests that early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the cost of lifetime care and improve outcomes for people with autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 59 American children born today will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the nation, and the prevalence of autism in the State continues to exceed and outpace the rate of autism in other states.

AI Summary

This resolution officially designates April of each year as "Autism Awareness Month" in New Jersey, aligning with the national observance. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that affect socialization, communication, and behavior, typically appearing before age three and lasting a lifetime. The resolution highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals with autism, including communication difficulties, bullying, self-injurious behavior, and wandering, and notes the substantial lifetime care costs associated with ASDs. It emphasizes that early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce these costs, citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that show a notable prevalence of autism, with New Jersey having the highest rate in the nation. The resolution encourages citizens to participate in observing Autism Awareness Month with appropriate activities and programs to raise awareness of these disorders.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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