Event Description
Autism Advocacy Day - 4/14/2011
(Posted 4/13/2011) - Autism Advocacy Day in Illinois is Thursday, April 14 and I will be participating in a press conference and rally to help bring awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorders can profoundly impact any family, regardless of racial, ethnic or economic conditions, and instances of autism have increased tenfold over the last decade. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism as girls, and unfortunately the most recent statistics indicate that 1 in 90 boys and 1 in 110 individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. While the actual cause of autism remains unknown, it is a condition that is affecting many families in District 42, across Illinois and the nation.
Annually, I host an Autism Forum, with other DuPage County legislators, to provide information to people who want to be educated on this very important issue. Each year experts in the field are invited to provide information, answer questions and provide assistance to families who are facing the challenges of autism. If you or anyone you know is interested in attending next years’ event, please call my office next January for the date and meeting location. I am certain you will find the forum to be of help in understanding this disorder.
Experts have learned over time that early diagnosis, research, training, education and therapies are vital in reducing the effects of autism, so please make note of Autism Lobby Day on Thursday. Together we can urge government and all citizens to become more aware and educated about Autism Spectrum Disorders.