EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims April 2 in each year as Autism Awareness Day.

Bill 301 2021

An Act to proclaim April 2 in each year as Autism Awareness Day

Preamble

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological condition with no known cause. Since autism exists on a spectrum, no two people experience autism the same way and therapies and services are generally based on each person’s needs.

Proclaiming April 2 as Autism Awareness Day will raise greater public awareness of autism and help people in Ontario and beyond move past the stigma of autism and towards greater understanding of the disorder and greater support for people living with autism. Autism Awareness Day will reflect the government’s ongoing responsibility to provide ethical, evidence-based and comprehensive therapies and services to each person living with autism in Ontario and to provide caregivers with the support to care for people living with autism in Ontario.

Each person living with autism should be provided the necessary support to achieve the quality of life that is deserving of a respected member of society.

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

Autism Awareness Day

1 April 2 in each year is proclaimed as Autism Awareness Day.

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 Day Act, 2021.