HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 81
(By Delegate Perdue)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
statistical rate of autism among this state's population and
to study existing autism services in this state as well as
what need, if any, exists for additional or enhanced services.
Whereas, According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, autism occurs in one in every one hundred fifty births
nationally. Moreover, one to one and one-half million Americans
are currently afflicted with autism; and
Whereas, Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
in the United States; and
Whereas, The national cost for diagnosis, treatment and
intervention services related to autism annually reaches ninety
billion dollars; and
Whereas, Ninety percent of the costs associated with the
diagnosis and treatment of autism are for adult services; and
Whereas, The cost of lifelong care for individuals afflicted
with autism can be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and
intervention; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the statistical rate of autism among this
state's population and to study existing autism services in this
state as well as what need, if any, exists for additional or
enhanced services; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.