World Autism Awareness Day, 2013

This proclamation designates April 2, 2013 as World Autism Awareness Day, highlighting that 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. It references existing policies including the Affordable Care Act's protections for autism coverage and screening, and encourages Americans to learn more about autism and support affected individuals and families.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 20409

Impact dates

Jan 1, 2014
Affordable Care Act preexisting condition protections including ASDs take effect
Apr 2, 2013
World Autism Awareness Day proclaimed

Key directives

Proclaim April 2, 2013 as World Autism Awareness Day
Encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation of April 2, 2013 as World Autism Awareness Day

Near term (90d)

Encouragement for Americans to learn about autism and support affected individuals

Long term

Affordable Care Act preexisting condition protections take effect in 2014
Ongoing medical research investment
Vocational rehabilitation and higher education access initiatives

Risks & tensions

Document references ACA provisions that were politically contested at the time
Proclamation conflates ceremonial observance with policy advocacy without binding directives
No new funding or programmatic requirements established