--- title: SR 514. Autism Acceptance Month; recognize April 2025 collection: bills id: 2025-2026/sr514 cite_as: SR 514, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr514 md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr514.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr514/text source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71884 date: 2025-04-02 status: passed corpus_version: bills-2026-08-28 license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr513.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr515.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md omitted: votes and history omitted_chars: 94 omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr514.md?full=1 bill_number: SR 514 session: 2025-2026 Regular Session session_slug: 2025-2026 chamber: Senate bill_type: resolution status_date: 2025-04-02 last_action: Senate Read and Adopted sponsors: - Brian Strickland - Brandon Beach - Harold Jones - Ricky Williams - Josh McLaurin - Donzella James - Matt Brass - Kay Kirkpatrick - Kim Jackson - Sally Harrell - Sam Watson - Nabilah Islam Parkes - Derek Mallow - Freddie Sims - Nikki Merritt - Chuck Payne - Colton Moore - Ed Setzler - Michael Rhett - John Albers - Ben Watson - Bo Hatchett - RaShaun Kemp - Sonya Halpern text_version: Enrolled has_text: true legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/SR514/2025 upstream_id: 2017653 summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5 topic_tags: - autism awareness - disability advocacy - Georgia Senate resolutions - health observances --- # SR 514. Autism Acceptance Month; recognize April 2025 ## Text 25 LC 112 3582 Senate Resolution 514 By: Senators Strickland of the 42nd, Beach of the 21st, Jones II of the 22nd, Williams of the 25th, McLaurin of the 14th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025, as World Autism1 Awareness Day; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition3 that affects individuals in varying ways, influencing social interaction, communication, and4 behavior across a broad spectrum of strengths and challenges; and5 WHEREAS, autism can be characterized by persistent differences in communication and6 social interaction, including nonverbal communication challenge s, difficulty interpreting7 social cues, and repetitive behaviors or intense interests, alo ng with unique sensory8 processing needs; and9 WHEREAS, early screening and intervention are critical for children with autism, as children10 diagnosed by age four are more likely to receive necessary serv ices that can significantly11 improve long-term outcomes; and12 WHEREAS, numerous evidence-based interventions—including applied behavior analysis13 (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training—have proven14 effective in promoting independence and reducing disruptive behaviors; and15 S. R. 514 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3582 WHEREAS, complementary therapies such as art, music, and animal-assisted programs have16 also shown promise in enhancing communication and social engagement for individuals with17 autism; and18 WHEREAS, Autism Acceptance Month, observed annually in April, p romotes greater19 understanding and inclusion of individuals with autism, shifting the narrative from awareness20 to acceptance and fostering more supportive, affirming communities; and21 WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day, held on April 2 each year, provides an22 international platform to recognize the contributions and rights of individuals with autism as23 well as to promote global dialogue on inclusivity and support systems.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body25 recognize April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 20 25, as World Autism26 Awareness Day as well as commend all organizations, advocates, and families working to27 create a more inclusive world for individuals with autism.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed29 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the30 press.31 S. R. 514 - 2 - ## Summaries written by Georgia Commons The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary. A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day, honoring families and advocates who support people with autism. ### Plain-language summary This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate marking April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution's whereas clauses describe autism spectrum disorder, the value of early screening and intervention, and therapies such as applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. It then formally states that the Senate recognizes these observances and commends organizations, advocates, and families working to create a more inclusive world for people with autism. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press. ### What it does - Formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month in Georgia. - Formally recognizes April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day in Georgia. - Commends organizations, advocates, and families who work to support people with autism. - Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press. ### Who it affects This resolution speaks to Georgians with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and the organizations and advocates who support them, though it creates no new legal rights, funding, or obligations for anyone. ### Why it matters Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change funding, services, or rules for people with autism in Georgia. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition intended to raise awareness and encourage acceptance. ### Key provisions - The resolution's whereas clauses describe autism spectrum disorder and the importance of early screening, diagnosis by age four, and interventions like applied behavior analysis and speech therapy. - The resolved clause formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025 as World Autism Awareness Day. - A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for public and press distribution. ## Status - Status: Passed (2025-04-02) - Last action: Senate Read and Adopted (2025-04-02) - Sponsors: Brian Strickland, Brandon Beach, Harold Jones, Ricky Williams, Josh McLaurin, Donzella James, Matt Brass, Kay Kirkpatrick, Kim Jackson, Sally Harrell, Sam Watson, Nabilah Islam Parkes, Derek Mallow, Freddie Sims, Nikki Merritt, Chuck Payne, Colton Moore, Ed Setzler, Michael Rhett, John Albers, Ben Watson, Bo Hatchett, RaShaun Kemp, Sonya Halpern - Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71884 > The history, votes, and amendments (94 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr514.md?full=1