RESOLUTION
BY: COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS, PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ AND HODGES:
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF YONKERS DECLARING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026 "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" AND DECLARING APRIL 2, 2026 AS "AUTISM AWARENESS DAY"
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WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by behavioral and communicational affections that impact a person's ability to navigate social interactions and also causes repetitive and restricted behavior; and
WHEREAS, autism disorders affect all persons regardless of race, religion, socio4 economic status, or geography; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States have been identified with ASD; and
WHEREAS, the CDC estimates more than 2.2% of adults in the United States, or over 5.4 million persons, have ASD; and
WHEREAS, the CDC also found that the states with the greatest estimate number of adults living with ASD includes New York, as well as California, Texas, and Florida; and
WHEREAS, it is reported that ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls; and
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring World Autism Awareness Day by unanimous consent, encouraging UN Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism disorders throughout society and to promote early diagnosis and early behavioral intervention; and
WHEREAS, the aim for World Autism Awareness Day are to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism disorders, to stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism disorders; and
WHEREAS, autism disorders are lifelong conditions that require support, training, assistance, and advocacy on behalf of those individuals who suffer from such disorders; and
WHEREAS, the City Council grants all those in the City of Yonkers and the State of New York who are advocates for those suffering from autism disorders best wishes as they continue to serve as compassionate, caring individuals to the most vulnerable citizens;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause hereby proclaims the month of April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Yonkers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body hereby proclaims
April 2, 2026 as Autism Awareness Day in the City of Yonkers.