[Page H2973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AND WORLD AUTISM MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on World 
Autism Day, to recognize and support all children or adults with autism 
spectrum disorder.
  In 2018, an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States was 
diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder. Notwithstanding 
these diagnoses, Americans with autism make exceptional contributions 
across our Nation and around the world.
  Each April Autism Speaks celebrates the start of its signature 
campaign, Light It Up Blue. Light It Up Blue is a unique global 
campaign to increase understanding and acceptance for people with 
autism.
  Today we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, and this month is 
World Autism Month.
  Mr. Speaker, let's renew our commitment to support the entire 
international autism community, including children and adults with 
autism, their families, and caregivers.
  Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened 
understanding of autism, promote respect and dignity, and support the 
services that assist people with autism to reach their full potential.

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