House Resolution 1234
By: Representatives Gambill of the 15th, Hilton of the 48th, Seabaugh of the 34th, Dempsey
of the 13th, Scoggins of the 14th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the definition of autism has evolved over the years, creating an increasingly
heterogeneous spectrum, and while all individuals on the autism spectrum deserve
recognition and support, profound autism is a term that clarifies the needs of autistic
individuals who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, people with profound autism may also have a severe intellectual disability or
have minimal to no language skills, and their unique needs often result in their exclusion
from research and support programs; and
WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their
first prevalence study on profound autism, concluding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-old
children with autism in the United States have profound autism, meaning that one in four
children with autism falls into this category; and
WHEREAS, the study further found that compared with children with non-profound autism,
children with profound autism were more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority
groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low birth weight, have
self-injurious behaviors, have seizure disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and
WHEREAS, people with profound autism and those who care for them often live in isolation,
necessitating greater inclusion and support, and it is imperative to recognize and address their
distinct challenges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.