HR 693: Profound Autism Day; March 17, 2025; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives designates March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day. It does not change any law; instead it formally recognizes a specific day to highlight the needs of people with profound autism, a term used to describe autistic individuals who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver and who often have severe intellectual disabilities or minimal to no language skills. The resolution cites a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study finding that roughly one in four 8-year-old children with autism in the United States has profound autism, and that these children are more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, or born preterm or with low birth weight. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day in Georgia through a House resolution.
• Cites a 2023 CDC study finding that about 26.7 percent of 8-year-old children with autism have profound autism.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create any new program, funding, or legal requirement; it is a symbolic recognition only.

People with profound autism, their families and caregivers, and autism advocacy and research organizations are the main groups named in the resolution's text, since it focuses on their distinct needs and often isolated circumstances.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it creates no new rights, funding, or requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic: it publicly acknowledges profound autism as a distinct category and may raise awareness of the needs of those who require lifelong, round-the-clock care.

• The whereas clauses describe profound autism as a term for autistic individuals needing 24/7 adult care, often with severe intellectual disability or minimal language skills.
• Cites an April 2023 CDC study finding 26.7 percent of 8-year-olds with autism have profound autism, about one in four.
• Notes the study found children with profound autism are more likely to be female, from minority groups, low socioeconomic status, or born preterm or low birth weight.
• The resolving clause designates March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-21House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-21House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-21House Hopper (House)

• Matthew Gambill (R, HD-15)Primary sponsor
• Martin Momtahan (R, HD-17)
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-14)
• Joseph Gullett (R, HD-19)
• Bill Yearta (R, HD-152)
• Danny Mathis (R, HD-133)

• autism awareness
• disability support
• commemorative resolutions
• public health