RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS “AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AND INCLUSION MONTH” AND RECOGNIZING AUTISM DELAWARE’S SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. K. Williams & Rep. Kamela Smith & Sen. Poore on behalf of all Senators

Rep. Bolden on behalf of all Representatives

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 104

RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS “AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AND INCLUSION MONTH” AND RECOGNIZING AUTISM DELAWARE’S SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an urgent public health crisis because today, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting more than 5 million people; and

WHEREAS, in 1995 the prevalence of ASD was 1 in 2,500 births and today it is approximately 1 in

31

births; and

WHEREAS, ASD is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and

WHEREAS, symptoms and characteristics of ASD may present themselves in a variety of ways and are different for each person affected; and

WHEREAS, ASD can result in significant lifelong impairment of an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal, as well as non-verbal, communication; and

WHEREAS, family caregivers must provide comprehensive support for autistic children and adults, including daily care, educational assistance, housing, healthcare management, advocacy, and facilitating social interactions; and

WHEREAS, fostering community engagement and collaboration is essential to ensure caregivers have access to adequate resources and support systems, empowering them in their vital responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, the effort to address ASD continues with doctors, therapists, and educators helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder overcome or adjust to their challenges by providing early, accurate diagnosis, and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that is vital to future growth and development; and

WHEREAS, autistic individuals should have access to the lifelong care and the services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and

WHEREAS, for nearly 30 years, Autism Delaware has been a leader in providing services and advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families in Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that April

2026

is recognized as “Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Delaware recognizes Autism Delaware for years of dedicated work that improves the lives of Delawareans with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution recognizes the month of April 2026 as "Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month" and recognizes Autism Delaware's service to the people of Delaware.