119-hres752

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 752 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 752

 Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2025, as 
 ``Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 September 19, 2025

 Mr. Lawler submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2025, as 
 ``Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day''.

Whereas autism is a form of neurodivergence characterized by differences in 
 social communication skills and by repetitive and highly focused 
 behaviors and ways of thinking;
Whereas, despite recent efforts to serve Black autistic individuals, there 
 appear to be significant racial inequities in the diagnosis and 
 treatment of Black autistic children;
Whereas Black parents of autistic children reported significantly less autism 
 concerns and behavioral concerns, with children more likely to be seen 
 as ``disruptive'' instead of neurodivergent;
Whereas Black autistic individuals are more likely to be misdiagnosed, 
 underdiagnosed, and diagnosed late;
Whereas Black autistic individuals are underrepresented in autism research;
Whereas Black autistic individuals have been found to have more difficulty in 
 accessing specialty care;
Whereas the Black community reports more accounts of marginalization and 
 dismissal of concerns in health care settings, including in the autism 
 space;
Whereas Black autistic youth face increased risk of negative outcomes during 
 interactions with law enforcement; and
Whereas Black autistic youth face disproportionate discipline at school, 
 resulting in a higher prevalence of suspensions, expulsions, and other 
 classroom punishments: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) expresses support for the designation of ``Black Autism 
 Acceptance and Awareness Day'';

    (2) encourages all Americans to celebrate Black Autism 
 Acceptance and Awareness Day by--
        (A) raising awareness about the inequalities facing 
 Black autistic individuals;
        (B) promoting understanding, acceptance, and 
 inclusion of Black autistic individuals;
            (C) reinforcing the importance of amplifying the 
 voices of Black autistic individuals; and
            (D) advocating for justice and equity for Black 
 autistic individuals;

    (3) recognizes that acceptance for Black autistic 
 individuals is essential;

    (4) recognizes that true acceptance for Black autistic 
 individuals means culturally competent care, challenging 
 existing biases, building community, and providing equitable 
 access to resources and opportunities;

    (5) recognizes that autism does not end after childhood, 
 and resources and acceptance are needed for Black autistic 
 individuals into adulthood; and

    (6) recognizes that neurological differences, like autism, 
 are natural variations in the human experience, and those 
 variations should be celebrated.
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