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

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

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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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