Proclaiming March 17, 2026, to Be "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island"

WHEREAS, Profound Autism refers to a subset of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are at least eight years old, have an intellectual disability with an intelligence quotient less than 50 and minimal-to-no language or verbal abilities. Many have epilepsy and are prone to self-injury behaviors and aggression, and therefore require 24-hour supervision and assistance with the activities of daily living in order to be safe; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the percentage of eight-year old children with profound autism among those with autism in the United States, was approximately 26.7 percent, which means that one in four children with autism in America have Profound Autism; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control also found that the percentage of children with profound autism was higher in girls than in boys, and was also higher in racial and ethnic minorities than in white children, and was more prevalent in low-income families than affluent families. Researchers suggest that the reason for these disparities may be that fewer children in these groups who are mildly affected by autism are given a diagnosis. Tragically, children with Profound Autism are frequently excluded from research and support programs because of their unique needs; and

WHEREAS, Profound Autism Day is an event that recognizes people with Profound Autism and advocates for more support for them and their families and advocates for their inclusion in services and research. People with Profound Autism and those who care for them live amongst us and all too often live in isolation. They very much need our inclusion and support, and specific consideration of their unique challenges is vital to their well-being; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March 17, 2026, to be “Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island”; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Judith Ursitti, Cofounder & President of the Profound Autism Alliance.