Politics & Government
Board of Supervisors Declare April 'Autism Awareness Month'
The designation was recommended by Supervisor Don Knabe, who represents the cities of Cerritos, Artesia and Long Beach.
The Board of Supervisors today declared April "Austism Awareness Month.''
The designation, recommended by Supervisor Don Knabe, is intended to encourage families, schools, universities and community agencies to support
programs and raise awareness of what Knabe called an epidemic.
The number of children diagnosed with autism has grown from 1 in 10,000
in 1993 to 1 in 110 children in 2010, Knabe said, citing statistics from the
federal Centers for Disease Control.
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"This huge increase in autism impacts not only the child, but the family, as well,'' Knabe said. "We need to increase our support for local families and work together as a community to create programs and services that help diagnosed children reach their full potential and live full and happy lives.''
Knabe represents the Fourth District, which includes the cities of Cerritos, Artesia and Long Beach.