summary
Introduced
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates March 17 of each year as "Profound Autism Day." The definition of autism has evolved over time, creating an increasingly heterogeneous spectrum. While the entire spectrum deserves recognition and support, profound autism is a term intended to provide clarification about the autistic people who require care from an adult caregiver throughout their lives, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. People with profound autism can have a severe intellectual disability or have minimal or no language. They are frequently excluded from research and support programs because of their unique needs. The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released its first prevalence study on profound autism in April 2023. 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 percent. The CDC study also found that, compared with children with non-profound 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, and have self-injurious behaviors, seizure disorders, and lower adaptive scores.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates March 17 of each year as "Profound Autism Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness about a specific subset of individuals on the autism spectrum who require intensive, round-the-clock care. The resolution acknowledges that profound autism represents a distinct category of autism characterized by severe intellectual disabilities, minimal or no language skills, and a need for constant adult caregiving. Drawing from a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, the resolution highlights that 26.7 percent of children with autism have profound autism, and these individuals are more likely to be female, from minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, and have additional challenges such as self-injurious behaviors and seizure disorders. By establishing this commemorative day, the resolution aims to bring attention to the unique experiences and critical needs of people with profound autism and their caregivers, and requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day. The resolution seeks to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for a population that is often marginalized and overlooked in autism research and support programs.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 03/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR220 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/220_I1.HTM |
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