World Autism Awareness Day, 2012

Proclamation 8795 of April 2, 2012

World Autism Awareness Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect young people
and adults of every background, and millions of
American families know the weight of their impact. On
World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize ASDs as a
growing public health issue and recommit to supporting
those living with an ASD and their loved ones.

We have made great strides in our understanding of the
autism spectrum, and today, children and adults with
ASDs are leading independent and productive lives.
However, barriers still remain for these individuals
and their families. As a Nation, we share a
responsibility to ensure persons living with ASDs have
the opportunity to pursue their full measure of
happiness and achieve their greatest potential.

Meeting the needs of Americans on the autism spectrum
remains a priority for my Administration. Last
September, I was proud to sign the Combating Autism
Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding
for autism research, education, early detection, and
support and services for children and adults. Under the
Affordable Care Act, new insurance plans are required
to cover autism screenings and developmental
assessments for children at no additional cost to
parents. Insurance companies can no longer deny
coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and
young people can stay on their parents' health
insurance plan until age 26, easing financial burdens
for families. With the Department of Education, we are
making substantial investments in enhancing education
for children on the autism spectrum--from early
learning to higher education. And federally funded
research continues to explore how we can improve
independent living, develop assistive technology, and
advance vocational rehabilitation services for
individuals with autism. For additional information and
resources, I encourage all Americans to visit
www.HHS.gov/autism.

As new policies and bold actions break down old
barriers and reshape attitudes, we move closer to a
world free of discrimination and full of understanding
for our family members and friends living with ASDs. On
World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our
dedication to supporting those on the autism spectrum
and their families, and let us continue the work of
ensuring all our people have a chance at achieving the
American dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2012, as
World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans
to learn more about autism and what they can do to
support individuals on the autism spectrum and their
families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.