HR 1234: Profound Autism Day; March 17, 2026; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives formally recognizes March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day. It explains that autism covers a wide range of conditions, and 'profound autism' describes people who need round-the-clock care from an adult caregiver for their entire lives, often along with severe intellectual disability or little to no language ability. The resolution cites a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study finding that about one in four 8-year-olds with autism in the United States have profound autism, and that these children are more likely to be female, from racial or ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm, or have seizure disorders. It states that people with profound autism and their caregivers often live in isolation and need greater support. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the public and press. It does not create any new law, funding, or program.

• Formally recognizes March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day through a House resolution.
• States findings from a 2023 CDC study on the prevalence and characteristics of profound autism among 8-year-old children.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not establish any new state program, funding, or legal requirement; it is a symbolic recognition only.

People with profound autism and their families and caregivers are the focus of the resolution's recognition. It also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who is directed to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

While the resolution does not change any law or create funding, it gives official state recognition to the specific challenges faced by people with profound autism and their caregivers, which advocates say are often overlooked in broader autism research and support programs.

• The resolution's preamble describes profound autism as affecting individuals who need 24/7 adult care and may have severe intellectual disability or minimal language skills.
• It cites an April 2023 CDC study finding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-olds with autism have profound autism, roughly one in four.
• It notes the study's finding that profound autism is more common among children who are female, from racial or ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low birth weight, or who have self-injurious behaviors or seizure disorders.
• The resolving clause designates March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Matthew Gambill (R, HD-015)Primary sponsor
• Scott Hilton (R, HD-048)
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-014)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• autism awareness
• disability support
• caregivers
• public health
• legislative resolutions