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SR 838

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 17, 2025, TO BE "PROFOUND AUTISM DAY IN RHODE ISLAND"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates March 17, 2025 as Profound Autism Day to raise awareness and advocate for greater supports, research inclusion, and inclusion for affected individuals and f

03/18/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 838

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 838 — Proclaiming March 17, 2025 as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island"

Overview

  • Type: Rhode Island Senate Resolution (non-binding, ceremonial)
  • Title: Proclaims March 17, 2025 as “Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island”
  • Introduced: March 18, 2025 (by Senators Kallman, LaMountain, Felag, Murray, Euer, Rogers, Zurier, Acosta, Ujifusa, and Lauria)
  • Status: Recommended for Immediate Consideration and subsequently read and passed by the Senate on March 18, 2025
  • Version: LC002339

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution recognizes Profound Autism as a specific subset of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affecting individuals who are typically at least eight years old, with an IQ below 50, minimal-to-no language, and often accompanied by epilepsy, self-injurious behavior, and aggression.
  • It emphasizes the substantial daily needs of these individuals, including 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living.
  • The resolution aims to raise awareness, advocate for increased supports for people with Profound Autism and their families, and promote inclusion in services and research.

Key Provisions

  • Recognition: Declares March 17, 2025, as “Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island.”
  • Definitions and Context: Provides a description of Profound Autism and notes its associated care requirements and challenges.
  • Public Health Context: Cites Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates indicating that a substantial portion of children with autism fall into the Profound Autism category (approximately 26.7%, i.e., about one in four children with autism in the U.S.).
  • Disparities Highlighted: Documents observed disparities—Profound Autism is more prevalent in girls, racial/ethnic minority groups, and low-income families, and notes that minority and less-resourced groups may face underdiagnosis of milder forms, complicating data and access to supports.
  • Advocacy and Inclusion: Supports advocacy for greater support, research inclusion, and services tailored to the needs of individuals with Profound Autism.
  • Directed Communication: Requires the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Ms. Judith Ursitti, Cofounder & President of the Profound Autism Alliance.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals with Profound Autism and their families and caregivers
  • Service providers, educators, and healthcare professionals serving this population
  • Advocacy organizations (notably the Profound Autism Alliance)
  • Rhode Island residents and communities, which are encouraged to recognize and support inclusion efforts

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • No fiscal provisions or new statutory authorities are created; the resolution is ceremonial.
  • Procedural steps recorded:
    • Introduction: March 18, 2025
    • Referred for Immediate Consideration: March 18, 2025
    • Senate action: Read and Passed on March 18, 2025
  • The primary effect is symbolic recognition intended to elevate awareness and support for Profound Autism-related needs.

Key Takeaway

SR 838 establishes a formal Rhode Island acknowledgment of Profound Autism on a specific day, aiming to foster awareness, advocate for enhanced supports and research inclusion, and affirm the importance of inclusion and resources for individuals with Profound Autism and their families.

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

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