World Autism Awareness Day, 2019

Vol. 84

Friday,

No. 66

April 5, 2019

Part II

The President

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Proclamation 9858--World Autism Awareness Day, 2019

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9858 of April 1, 2019

World Autism Awareness Day, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On World Autism Awareness Day, we honor the millions of
Americans living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
who, in spite of the challenges they may face, continue
to make extraordinary contributions to their families,
their communities, our Nation, and the world. We also
express our sincere appreciation to the families,
friends, medical professionals, and caregivers who help
Americans with ASD pursue the American Dream.

As a Nation, we must continue to support Americans with
ASD. My Administration has worked to fund cutting-edge
research, optimize health systems, and enhance
available resources and treatments that will benefit
people with ASD. Ongoing Federal research efforts to
understand the health and development of children with
ASD have recently expanded to include adolescents and
young adults, thereby advancing our knowledge of ASD
beyond childhood. Additionally, our economic policies
have created the lowest unemployment rate in history
for Americans with disabilities, and recent Federal
investments in apprenticeship programs for individuals
with ASD will help provide more pathways to stable
employment.

Ensuring the safety of all Americans with ASD is a
priority of my Administration. Last year, I was pleased
to sign into law Kevin and Avonte's Law, which expands
the existing Federal emergency alert program to include
people with ASD and other cognitive disorders who may
wander from safety. This legislation also authorizes
funding for tracking technologies and specialized
training for caregivers to help prevent and respond to
instances of wandering. These investments will help put
concerned families at ease, reduce the risk of
tragedies, and improve the quality of life for
individuals with ASD, their families, and caregivers.

Today, we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of
Americans with ASD and reaffirm our commitment to work
together to ensure that every member of our society is
afforded equal opportunities 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, 2019, as
World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon all Americans
to learn more about the signs of autism to improve
early diagnosis, understand the challenges faced by
individuals with autism, and find ways to support those
with autism and their families.

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