WHEREAS,
April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time to educate our community about Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurological disorder that affects, in varying degrees, language and social skill development, characterized by challenges in communication and social interactions, repetitive behaviors and movement, impacting individuals of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
; and
WHEREAS,
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
r
ecently found that 1 in 68 children meet criteria for Autism nationwide
; and
WHEREAS,
The 2014 Pennsylvania Census Report identified over 4,167 individuals in Philadelphia County with Autism receiving services – more than double the previously documented number – the majority of whom are between the ages of 5 and 17 years old, with the number of adults over 21 years old increasing as the population ages
; and
WHEREAS,
Project Elijah Empowering Autism (PEEA) was founded in 2004 by Eric D. Williams Sr., who recognized a need in his area for afterschool and community support programs for children with Autism and their families
; and
WHEREAS, Eric’s son Elijah, the organization’s namesake, had been diagnosed with Autism three years earlier, when he was three years old, giving Eric firsthand experience of the unique needs of, and challenges faced by, children on the Autism spectrum and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Today, Eric leads a team of caring and passionate professionals committed to PEEA’s mission of providing beneficial resources, including support meetings, arts & crafts workshops, athletics, field trips, and life and social skills activities - all within a safe and nurturing environment - to individuals with Autism, their families and care providers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize April 2017 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honor Eric D. Williams Sr., founder of Project Elijah Empowering Autism.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Eric D. Williams Sr., evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End