Bill 196 2002

An Act to proclaim
Autism Awareness Month

Preamble

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is one of a family of disorders called pervasive developmental disorders. The disorders involve deficiencies in a number of areas, including the following: delayed or deficient communications, decreased or unresponsive social interaction, unusual reactions to normal stimuli, a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play or an inability to imitate others. There are a great many differences among symptoms shown by people suffering from the disorders.

It is desirable that Ontarians work together to improve the quality of life for persons suffering from autism or related pervasive developmental disorders and their families and to ensure that sufferers live with dignity within their own communities.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Autism Awareness Month

1. The month of October in each year is proclaimed as Autism Awareness Month.

Commencement

2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3. The short title of this Act is the Autism Awareness Month Act, 2002.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims October in each year as Autism Awareness Month.