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[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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