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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41
BY SENATOR PRESSLY
A RESOLUTION
To recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.
WHEREAS, the definition of autism has evolved over the years, creating an
increasingly heterogeneous spectrum; and
WHEREAS, while the entire spectrum deserves recognition and support, profound
autism 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 also have a severe intellectual
disability with minimal or no language; and
WHEREAS, these individuals are frequently excluded from research and support
programs because of their unique needs; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their first
prevalence study on profound autism in April 2023; and
WHEREAS, the research concluded that the percentage of 8-year-old children with
profound autism among those with autism in the United States was 26.7%, meaning that one
in four children with autism have profound autism; and
WHEREAS, compared with children with nonprofound 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, seizure disorders, and lower adaptive scores; and
WHEREAS, people with profound autism and those who care for them live in our
midst, frequently in isolation, and need our inclusion and support; and
WHEREAS, specific consideration of the unique challenges facing individuals with
profound autism is critical.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby recognize March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day.
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SR NO. 41 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Profound Autism Alliance.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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