Councilman Eric A. Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) introduced Resolution no. 638 this week recognizing this and every April as Autism Awareness Month in New York City. This designation coincides with the United Nations’ World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2every year since 2008.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum Disorders diagnoses happen for one in 68 children in the United States – having increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
“Many New Yorkers, including families within my district grapple daily with the challenges imposed by Autism Spectrum Disorders,”said Ulrich.“This Resolution will help raise the community’s knowledge and understanding of these disorders and encourage the continued support of science to find a viable cure.”
Andrew Baumann, President and CEO of New York Families for Autistic Children, acknowledged Ulrich’s contribution to autism awareness and invited people to call NYFAC “day or night” at 1-888-MY-NYFAC.
By Forum Staff
