RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-166

A resolution recognizing April 2016 as Autism Awareness Month and April 2, 2016, as World Autism Awareness Day.

WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges of those affected by it; and

WHEREAS, autism impacts how individuals perceive and interact with the world and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or age; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of autism may manifest themselves in a variety of ways and can affect an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal as well as nonverbal communication; and

WHEREAS, awareness of autism is crucial to ensure that persons living with autism have access to lifelong care and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and to achieve their maximum potential; and

WHEREAS, while there is no cure for autism, early identification is critical for successful outcomes of individuals with autism that if they receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, they lead significantly improved lives; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of the Light It Up Blue campaign, annually observed on April 2, Autism Speaks is asking everyone not only in Nashville, across American and around the Globe to wear blue to raise international awareness of autism in support of both World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes April 2016 as Autism Awareness Month and April 2, 2016 as World Autism Awareness Day and encourage all citizens of Nashville to become educated and informed about services, programs and opportunities and to support individuals and their families and caregivers.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing April 2016 as Autism Awareness Month and April 2, 2016, as World Autism Awareness Day.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Babs Tierno, Autism Tennessee, Rhonda Manous, Autism Foundation of Tennessee, Melanie Bull, Tennessee Disability Coalition and Kim and Tristan Dedmon Autism Speaks.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jeremy Elrod