Supporting Autism Awareness

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Autism Awareness Month. April is Autism Awareness Month, and today, April 2, is Autism Awareness Day.

Autism is serious. It does not discriminate. People in all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups are impacted. One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Let me say it again: one in 68 children. This is a very disturbing statistic.

Mr. Speaker, Florida has a lot of great programs and resources for individuals with autism. The Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities, or CARD, all across the State of Florida will be offering resources and awareness month activities. The Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism pairs teachers and schools with a professional from one of the many CARDs across Florida to assist students with autism. This program's motto is to ``provide quality educational programs to students with autism spectrum disorders.''

It is the graciousness and generosity of organizations like these and of the individuals involved with them that help in the fight against autism. It is important to raise awareness. It is important to provide programs to assist children and adults with disorders on the autism spectrum. Ultimately, through groups like these and through public and private partnerships, we can continue to work towards a cure.

I am committed to this cause, and I encourage my fellow Members on both sides of the aisle to get involved. This is an issue that truly overcomes partisan lines. The Light It Up Blue campaign draws awareness for autism as well. Today, thousands of businesses and landmarks will be lit blue. Together, we can shine the light on autism.

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