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HR 821

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 13 co-sponsors

Illinois proclaims April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to boost recognition and support for autistic individuals and families.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet
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Bill Summary · HR 821

Summary of HR 821 (104th Illinois General Assembly) — Autism Awareness Month

Purpose and Intent

  • Declares April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in the State of Illinois.
  • Aims to increase public awareness of autism and to support individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who assist them.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official designation: The Illinois House of Representatives proclaims April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
  • Recognition of autism prevalence and impact: References data on autism prevalence (approximate figures cited from CDC) to underscore the importance of awareness and supportive policies.
  • Establishment of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus (background context):
    • Not a new law but a description of the caucus formed by the 104th General Assembly.
    • Focus areas identified as four cornerstones: support, access, resources, and education.
    • Emphasizes inclusive, bipartisan, and bicameral collaboration, inviting input from neurodivergent individuals, healthcare professionals, employers, educators, advocates, caregivers, and families.
  • Scope of impact: The designation aligns with broader goals to reduce burdens on families caring for people with autism and to promote opportunities for individuals with autism to reach their full potential and achieve self-sufficiency.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Illinois.
  • Families and caregivers of individuals with autism.
  • Medical and human services professionals who work with autistic individuals.
  • Educators, employers, advocates, and organizations involved in autism-related support and resources.
  • The state’s public awareness and policy community, through the sponsor-backed declaration and the ongoing work of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative action: The bill is a House Resolution (HR), not an appropriations or regulatory statute, calling for recognition rather than implementing new programmatic requirements.
  • Effective date: The proclamation designates April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. No other timelines or programmatic mandates are specified.
  • Filing and sponsorship: Filed by Rep. Natalie A. Manley with a co-sponsor, indicating bipartisan/ bicameral interest in neurodiversity topics.

Practical Implications

  • Public acknowledgment: Schools, state agencies, and public institutions may recognize April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, potentially leading to awareness events, education campaigns, and participation in related activities.
  • Policy signal: Signals Illinois’ interest in supporting autism-related policy discussion and collaborative efforts via the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus.
  • No new entitlements or funding: The resolution does not allocate funds or create new statutory obligations beyond the recognition and the described caucus framework.

Notes

  • The bill provides context about autism prevalence and the benefits of early intervention and support but centers on formal recognition and the ongoing work of the neurodiversity caucus.
  • Designed to be informational and commemorative, with a focus on awareness, acceptance, and stakeholder engagement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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