Bill Text: NJ AJR11 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates second full week in April as "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week."
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-2)
Status: (Passed) 2011-01-26 - Approved P.L.2011, JR-1. [AJR11 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-AJR11-Introduced.html
No. 11
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
214th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2010 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman JOAN M. VOSS
District 38 (Bergen)
Assemblyman VINCENT J. POLISTINA
District 2 (Atlantic)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Johnson, Diegnan and Assemblywoman McHose
SYNOPSIS
Designates second full week in April as "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
A Joint Resolution designating the second full week in April as "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder often characterized by autistic-like behaviors and marked by deficiencies in social and communication skills; and
Whereas, Children with Asperger's Syndrome tend to be self-absorbed, have difficulty making friends, are often preoccupied with their own interests and easily become the victims of teasing or bullying; and
Whereas, Although those with Asperger's Syndrome have a better prognosis than those with other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, people with Asperger's Syndrome often continue to demonstrate difficulties in social interactions well into their adult lives and face an increased risk of developing psychosis, depression and anxiety; and
Whereas, Early diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome is extremely important as people with Asperger's Syndrome who are diagnosed and treated early have an increased chance of living independently and leading healthy, productive lives; and
Whereas, Although early diagnosis and treatment are paramount, those with the disorder are often misdiagnosed with other neurological disorders such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADD and ADHD) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); and
Whereas, If early diagnosis and proper treatment of Asperger's Syndrome are to occur, the public needs to develop an awareness and understanding of the disorder and its symptoms; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The second full week in April of each year is designated as "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey to foster an awareness and understanding of Asperger's Syndrome.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the second full week in April of each year as "Asperger's Syndrome Awareness Week" in order to foster an awareness and understanding of the disorder. The joint resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
