Updated: Thursday, April 2 2015, 07:47 AM CDT Lawmakers, Autism advocacy groups and families impacted by Autism will gather at the State Capitol Thursday to celebrate Texas Autism Awareness Day.
Representative Ron Simmons, (R) Carrollton, will host the third annual event, which coincides with World Autism Awareness Day. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Larry Gonzales, (R) Round Rock, will attend along with groups like the Autism Society of Central Texas and Autism Speaks.
The goal is to raise awareness for early diagnosis and treatment of Autism. There are several bills in the legislature designed to help children and families with special needs, including Autism.
One of those bills is House Bill 3282, written by Simmons, which would require the education commissioner to create an Autism program for behavior analysis and treatment. It would also provide training for parents.
According to the Autism Society of Central Texas: More than 3.5 million Americans live with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The prevalence of Autism has increased by 6-15 percent each year from 2002 to 2010. About one in every 68 babies born in the United States will be diagnosed with Autism at some point in their life.
Sara Rankin Wilson, with Autism Speaks, says that statistic is even greater for boys; about one in every 42 boys will be diagnosed with Autism at some point.
"Autism is a series of complex brain disorders. And a child with Autism may be extraordinarily intelligent, but it is a spectrum. Some are very mildly affected and some are very profoundly affected. And it involves social skills...being verbal, nonverbal," she said.
"These kids, and into adulthood...we have to remember that adults have Autism too...have to undergo extensive therapy, behavioral therapy, motor skills therapy."
By: Juliette Dryer Autism Awareness Day Brings Families, Advocates to State Capitol
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Autism Awareness Day Brings Families, Advocates to State Capitol