A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued on the subject of autism awareness.

Mr. President, I would like to show my support for the autism awareness resolution submitted today by my colleague, Senator Coleman. Autism is a developmental disability which typically appears during the first 3 years of life and impairs the communication and social skills in those affected. The result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals, in a rate of 5 boys to every girl. Because autism is difficult to recognize and diagnose, it is important that families seek an evaluation by a medical professional experienced in diagnosing and treating the disorder.

This disability is about 10 times more prevalent today than it was in the 1980s, with over 500,000 people in the U.S. today with some form of this pervasive developmental disorder. Its frequency rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. However, most of the public, including many medical, educational, and vocational professionals, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with this diagnosis. I encourage my colleagues to join me in my efforts to increase autism awareness, and support this resolution.