WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Month is observed annually in April, and April 2 is recognized as the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day; both designations are intended to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and

WHEREAS, autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication; it is often accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression; research indicates that early diagnosis, intervention, and access to support services leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with the disorder; and

WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day is backed by organizations throughout the great State of Nevada that hold special events all year long and undertake a number of activities in April and on World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about autism; and

WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day promotes acceptance and celebration of autistic people who are our family members, friends, classmates, co-workers, and community members and the valuable contributions they make to our world; and

WHEREAS, autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and we can all create a world that values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2024, as

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY IN NEVADA