Wow! I Feel So Special!

Saw this on a Washington State Autism message board:

SENATE RESOLUTION (WA State Senate)
8681

By Senators Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Fraser, Pflug, Prentice, McAuliffe, Spanel, Murray, Jacobsen, Shin, Franklin, Parlette, Clements, Hewitt, Hargrove, Fairley, Holmquist, Brown, Weinstein, Berkey, Tom, Eide, Schoesler, Poulsen, Stevens, Delvin, Swecker, Haugen, Carrell, Benton, Kastama, Kline, Morton, Oemig, Hatfield, McCaslin, Zarelli, Kilmer, Kauffman, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, Pridemore and Honeyford

WHEREAS, Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and continues through the individual's lifespan; and

WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability, affecting 1 million to 1.5 million Americans - 1 in 250 babies born; and

WHEREAS, Many children are not diagnosed until after 3 years of age, often because of lack of recognition of autism characteristics by general practitioners; and

WHEREAS, There are many different characteristics in individuals with autism - delayed or deficient communication, decreased or unresponsive social interaction, unusual reaction to normal stimuli, a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play, and behavioral challenges; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cause and no known cure, however with aggressive and continuous therapy, some individuals can learn to acclimate to their environment and mask symptoms of their disability; and

WHEREAS, All individuals with autism should be included and regarded as valuable members of our community; and

WHEREAS, Autism can create significant stress on the families of those affected by autism; and

WHEREAS, Families, caregivers, advocates, and organizations are striving to bring about positive changes for children and adults with autism; and

WHEREAS, Through research, training, public services, support groups, advocacy, and increased awareness, we will be more understanding, inclusive, and better-equipped to support the growing number of individuals with autism and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and support individuals with autism and acknowledge the tremendous courage that they and their families put forth every day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Honorable Christine Gregoire.

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Being honored and supported by the Washington State Senate. What else could a person with autism and his family ask for? Gee, can't think of ANYTHING. Oh wait, they're not going to support us in any way financially or help with therapies, diet, or school? Oh, well, now that just sucks!

Well, there is this part: "WHEREAS, Through research, training, public services, support groups, advocacy, and increased awareness, we will be more understanding, inclusive, and better-equipped to support the growing number of individuals with autism and their families;"

Yeah. I'll believe it when I see it.