SR433: SR433 Profound Autism Day; recognize March 17, 2025

25 LC 112 3459 Senate Resolution 433 By: Senators Albers of the 56th, Brass of the 6th, Robertson of the 29th, Kennedy of the 18th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the definition of autism has evolved over the years, c reating an increasingly2 heterogeneous spectrum, and while all individuals on the autism spectrum deserve3 recognition and support, profound autism is a term that clarifi e s t h e n e e d s o f a u t i s t i c4 individuals who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and5 WHEREAS, people with profound autism may also have a severe intellectual disability or6 have minimal to no language skills, and their unique needs ofte n result in their exclusion7 from research and support programs; and8 WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention released their9 first prevalence study on profound autism, concluding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-old10 children with autism in the United States have profound autism, meaning that one in four11 children with autism falls into this category; and12 WHEREAS, the study further found that compared with children with non-profound autism,13 children with profound autism were more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority14 S. R. 433 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3459 groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low b irth weight, have15 self-injurious behaviors, have seizure disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and16 WHEREAS, people with profound autism and those who care for them often live in isolation,17 necessitating greater inclusion and support, and it is imperative to recognize and address their18 distinct challenges.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body20 recognize March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day.21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed22 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the23 press.24 S. R. 433 - 2 -