~ Recognizes April as World Autism Month ~
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In honor of April being World Autism Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis launched a new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) website which aims to provide insurance resources and assistance for individuals with ASD and their families. ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today. Additionally, CFO Patronis also issued a proclamation recognizing April as World Autism Month to encourage both awareness and understanding of people with autism. 
 
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “I am proud to recognize April as World Autism Month and to launch this new webpage to provide a one-stop-shop site for Floridians who are affected by autism to have access to the vital resources needed to reach their full potential. It’s critical for Floridians to know what type of resources are available and my goal in launching this new site is to provide consumers with insurance information and tips to make life a little less challenging. We are grateful to Autism Speaks for stressing the importance of autism awareness in our communities.”
 
Christa Stevens, Director of State Government Affairs at Autism Speaks said, “Health insurance is very complex and navigating the system puts heavy demands on even the most knowledgeable and educated consumers. We thank CFO Patronis and the dedicated staff at the Division of Consumer Services for elevating the needs of people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, in the Sunshine State and we look forward to sharing this new resource with our community in Florida."
 
In 2021, HB 701 was signed by Governor DeSantis and established new communication duties for health insurers and HMOs and creates reporting requirements for the Department of Financial Services. The goal of the ASD website is to better assist policyholders and their insurers with ASD services. To visit the Autism Spectrum Disorder Service website, click  here. 
 
PROCLAMATION
 
WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder affects an estimated 1 in 44 U.S. children and 1 in 45 U.S. adults and is a complex condition that affects each person differently, resulting in unique strengths and challenges; and
 
WHEREAS, autism can cause challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
 
WHEREAS, autism is often accompanied by medical conditions that impact quality of life; and
 
WHEREAS, a comprehensive, collaborative approach will help to advance research, providing a better understanding of the many forms of autism, strengthen advocacy efforts and ensure access to services and resources throughout the life span and across the spectrum; and
 
WHEREAS, early diagnosis and intervention tailored to individual needs can have lifelong benefits, easing the transition to adulthood and fostering greater independence; and
 
WHEREAS, each person and family affected by autism should have access to reliable information and supports; and
 
WHEREAS, the Department of Financial Services launched a new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) resource website which aims to provide resources and assistance for consumers dealing with ASD with a one-stop-shop of insurance information focused on better supporting policy holders with ASD to help improve interaction with their insurers; and
           
WHEREAS, autistic people should have opportunities to reach their full potential.      
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida does hereby recognize April 2022 as WORLD AUTISM MONTH to address the diverse needs of individuals with autism and their families and to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism spectrum disorder. 
 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name on the 1st day of April 2022.

About Autism  
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influences the development of autism, and autism is often accompanied by medical issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the U.S.

About Autism Speaks  
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.