April 2, 2019

WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day will be recognized on April 3rd, 2018, in Canada thanks to Liberal Senator Jim Munson’s Bill S-206, An Act Respecting World Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects more than 100,000 Ontarians. Autism Spectrum Disorder is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting 1 in every 66 children, as well as their friends, family and community; and

WHEREAS, ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means it not only manifests itself differently in every individual in whom it appears, but its characteristics will change over the life of each individual as well. A child with ASD will become an adult with ASD; and

WHEREAS, Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Since 1973, Autism Ontario has been providing support, information and opportunities for thousands of families across the province; and

WHEREAS, Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services of the autism community.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim the April 2, 2019 as World Autism Awareness Day in the City of Thunder Bay.

Bill Mauro, Mayor