SR659: SR659 Profound Autism Day; recognize March 17, 2026

26 LC 129 0713 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.1 WHEREAS, profound autism is is a term intended to provide clarification about the autistic2 people who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and3 WHEREAS, people with profound autism can have a severe intellectual disability or have4 minimal or no language, and are frequently excluded from resear ch and support programs5 because of their unique needs; and6 WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control released its first prevalence study7 on profound autism, concluding that 1 in 4 children, age 8, with autism, in the United States,8 have profound autism; and9 WHEREAS, compared to children with non-profound autism, children with profound autism10 were more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic11 status, born pre-term or with low birth weight, have self-injur ious behaviors, have seizure12 disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and13 S. R. 659 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0713 WHEREAS, there are many people with profound autism in the stat e of Georgia, and our14 inclusion, support, and specific consideration of their unique challenges is critical. 15 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body16 recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.17 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed18 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the19 press.20 S. R. 659 - 2 -