In support of Autism Awareness Month -- County of Orange Board of Supervisors in California Recognizes Local Family Based Organizations this April 1, 2003.

County of Orange Board of Supervisors will introduce resolution in support of Autism Awareness Month at their Board Meeting this April 1, 2003. During this meeting, local organizations will be recognized for their support in bringing public awareness and knowledge of this developmental disability.

Seal Beach, CA -- March 17, 2003, Project SEA, Inc. (Socialization, Education and Awareness) announced today that Supervisor James W. Silva will be introducing a Resolution at the County of Orange Board of Supervisors meeting this April 1, 2003 recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. The Resolution will also acknowledge those entities within Orange County who provide services and/or support for individuals and families affected by Autism.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.

Organization that will be recognized:

•    Autism International Alliance (AIA)

•    Autism Society of California (ASC) -- State chapter for Autism Society of America

•    Comfort Connection Family Resource Center

•    Project SEA, Inc -- (Socialization, Education and Awareness)

•    Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC)

•    Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)