HR1234: HR1234 Profound Autism Day; March 17, 2026; recognize

26 LC 129 0884 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.1 WHEREAS, the definition of autism has evolved over the years, c reating an increasingly2 heterogeneous spectrum, and while all individuals on the autism spectrum deserve3 recognition and support, profound autism is a term that clarifi e s t h e n e e d s o f a u t i s t i c4 individuals who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and5 WHEREAS, people with profound autism may also have a severe intellectual disability or6 have minimal to no language skills, and their unique needs ofte n result in their exclusion7 from research and support programs; and8 WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention released their9 first prevalence study on profound autism, concluding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-old10 children with autism in the United States have profound autism, meaning that one in four11 children with autism falls into this category; and12 WHEREAS, the study further found that compared with children with non-profound autism,13 children with profound autism were more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority14 H. R. 1234 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0884 groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low b irth weight, have15 self-injurious behaviors, have seizure disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and16 WHEREAS, people with profound autism and those who care for them often live in isolation,17 necessitating greater inclusion and support, and it is imperative to recognize and address their18 distinct challenges.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that20 the members of this body recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized22 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the23 public and the press.24 H. R. 1234 - 2 -