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SJR 164

Memorials, Recognition - Rho Psi Alumni Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 95th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Charlane Oliver

Designate March 17 as Profound Autism Day in New Jersey to raise awareness of profound autism and its caregivers, with an annual governor’s proclamation (symbolic, no funding).

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 164

Summary: SJR 164 — Profound Autism Day

Purpose and intent

  • Designate March 17 of each year as “Profound Autism Day” in New Jersey.
  • Raise awareness of the experiences, challenges, and critical needs of people with profound autism and their caregivers.
  • Recognize the heterogeneity of autism and highlight that profound autism describes individuals who require lifelong, 24/7 adult caregiver support.

Key provisions

  • Designation: March 17 each year is formally designated as Profound Autism Day in New Jersey.
  • Governor’s proclamation: The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing Profound Autism Day.
  • Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and context

  • Definition and scope: Profound autism is presented as a clarifying term for that segment of the autism spectrum where individuals may require constant care and may have severe intellectual disability or minimal/no language.
  • Research context: The resolution references a CDC prevalence study released in April 2023, which found:
    • About 26.7% of 8-year-old children with autism in the U.S. are in the profound category.
    • Children with profound autism are more likely to be female, from racial/ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low birth weight, and have self-injurious behaviors, seizure disorders, and lower adaptive functioning scores.
  • Purpose of language: The bill emphasizes inclusion and support for people with profound autism and their caregivers, who are often overlooked in research and support programs.

Affected parties

  • Individuals with profound autism
  • Adult caregivers and families who provide round-the-clock care
  • Advocates, service providers, researchers, and community organizations focused on autism support and inclusion

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate on May 19, 2025; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
  • Related legislation: Companion Assembly bill AJR 220 exists.
  • Fiscal note: The introduced text does not specify any funding; the measure is symbolic and focuses on awareness and proclamations.
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential floor votes in the Senate and Assembly, and if enacted, annual gubernatorial proclamations would follow each March 17.

Why it matters

  • While largely symbolic, Profound Autism Day aims to promote visibility for a particularly vulnerable subset of the autism community and to encourage inclusion, research attention, and policy discussions about the supports needed by people with profound autism and their caregivers.

If you’d like, I can compare SJR 164 to the companion AJR 220 or provide a one-page quick-read for constituent newsletters.

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

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