Missouri State House of Delegates Physician’s Resolution

Missouri State Medical Association House of Delegates Resolution #1 (A-2007)

Whereas, autism is a cluster of developmental disorders typically diagnosed during the first three years of life, often robbing individuals of their ability to communicate and interact with others, and

Whereas, autistic disorders affect approximately one out of every 166 children in the state of Missouri, and

Whereas, the lifelong effects of autism on a family can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, and

Whereas, the number of those requiring services for autism in Missouri is escalating at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year,

Whereas, the Missouri State Medical Association recognizes the impact of autism and its effects on children and families of the state of Missouri, and

Whereas, the Missouri State Medical Association recognizes the importance of increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the impact of early intervention and treatment; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Missouri State Medical Association fully supports the education of Missourians to improve the awareness and understanding of autism, and be it further

Resolved, that the Missouri State Medical Association will take steps to educate physicians about the diagnosis and treatment of autism, and be it further

Resolved, that the Missouri State Medical Association encourages research and training to enhance the treatment of autism, and be it further

Resolved, that the Missouri State Medical Association urges all physicians, in accordance with guidelines suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Neurology, to include autism screenings in all well-child visits no later than 18 months of age.