World Autism Awareness Day, 2018

Vol. 83

Thursday,

No. 66

April 5, 2018

Part II

The President

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Proclamation 9719--World Autism Awareness Day, 2018

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9719 of April 2, 2018

World Autism Awareness Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to
recognize and support all children and adults with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Today, millions of
adults and an estimated 1 out of every 68 children in
the United States have been diagnosed with some form of
ASD. Notwithstanding these diagnoses, Americans with
ASD make exceptional contributions across our Nation
and around the world. On this day, we honor their
accomplishments and recommit to ensuring that they
enjoy the same opportunities to fulfill their potential
that all Americans deserve.

To maximize the quality of life across the entire
autism spectrum, we must ensure that ASD is accurately
identified and diagnosed in both children and adults.
We must also support access to effective care, critical
resources, and support services. To further these
important goals, I was pleased to sign into law the
Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE)
Family Caregivers Act, which will provide a national
framework to support families as they care for loved
ones with ASD and other similar conditions.

My Administration also continues to focus on young
adults with ASD. The Department of Health and Human
Services, in accordance with the Autism CARES Act of
2014 and in coordination with other executive
departments and agencies, has released a report that
details services available for young people with ASD as
they leave secondary education to help them transition
to adulthood. In addition, the Department's Interagency
Autism Coordinating Committee ensures robust engagement
with people with ASD and their families to help inform
policies and priorities. My Administration remains
focused on this critical work and committed to
advancing initiatives that improve the lives of those
living with ASD.

On World Autism Awareness Day, let us renew our
commitment to support the entire international ASD
community, including children and adults with ASD,
their families, and caregivers. Together, we can
increase access to information, encourage heightened
understanding of ASD, promote respect and dignity, and
support the services that assist people with ASD to
reach their full potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018, World
Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to
learn more about autism, and find ways to support
people with autism and their families and caregivers.

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