The Impact of Autism

WHEREAS, autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASD's); and

WHEREAS, autism is characterized by impaired social interaction; problems with verbal and nonverbal communication; and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interest; and

WHEREAS, experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism, and that males are four times more likely to have autism than females; and

WHEREAS, public educational institutions provide for the education including teaching essential life skills to youth with autism until the age of 21; and

WHEREAS, scientists are not certain what causes autism; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for autism; and

WHEREAS, many children with autism have a reduced sensitivity to pain; but are abnormally sensitive to sound, touch, or other stimuli which may contribute to behavioral symptoms such as resistance to being cuddled or hugged;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will lobby for increased governmental spending for research on the causes and cure of autism; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP will work with National organizations like Autism Speaks to research and eradicate the disparity or misdiagnoses of children of color to better raise awareness, educate, and develop policy to help those families who have an autistic member.