SR 433: Profound Autism Day; recognize March 17, 2025

Senate Resolution 433

By: Senators Albers of the 56th, Brass of the 6th, Robertson of the 29th, Kennedy of the 18th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the definition of autism has evolved over the years, creating an increasingly heterogeneous spectrum, and while all individuals on the autism spectrum deserve recognition and support, profound autism is a term that clarifies the needs of autistic individuals who require 24/7 care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, people with profound autism may also have a severe intellectual disability or have minimal to no language skills, and their unique needs often result in their exclusion from research and support programs; and

WHEREAS, in April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their first prevalence study on profound autism, concluding that 26.7 percent of 8-year-old children with autism in the United States have profound autism, meaning that one in four children with autism falls into this category; and

WHEREAS, the study further found that compared with 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 preterm or with low birth weight, have self-injurious behaviors, have seizure disorders, and have lower adaptive scores; and

WHEREAS, people with profound autism and those who care for them often live in isolation, necessitating greater inclusion and support, and it is imperative to recognize and address their distinct challenges.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize March 17, 2025, 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.