Senate Resolution 659
By: Senators Jackson of the 41st, Anderson of the 43rd, Kemp of the 38th, Orrock of the
36th, Wicks of the 34th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, profound autism is is a term intended to provide clarification about the autistic
people who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, people with profound autism can have a severe intellectual disability or have
minimal or no language, and are frequently excluded from research and support programs
because of their unique needs; and
WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control released its first prevalence study
on profound autism, concluding that 1 in 4 children, age 8, with autism, in the United States,
have profound autism; and
WHEREAS, compared to 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 pre-term or with low birth weight, have self-injurious behaviors, have seizure
disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and
WHEREAS, there are many people with profound autism in the state of Georgia, and our
inclusion, support, and specific consideration of their unique challenges is critical.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.