summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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" to raise awareness about individuals with profound autism, a term used to describe autistic people who require constant, 24/7 care from an adult caregiver due to severe intellectual disability or minimal/no language abilities, and who are often excluded from research and support programs. The resolution acknowledges that the definition of autism has broadened, creating a spectrum of needs, and highlights recent research from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which found that 26.7 percent of 8-year-old children with autism have profound autism, and that these individuals are more likely to face additional challenges such as being female, from minority groups, of lower socioeconomic status, born prematurely, and experiencing self-injurious behaviors or seizure disorders. The resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing this day, aiming to foster inclusion and support for those with profound autism and their caregivers.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/AJR90 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/AJR/90_I1.HTM |
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