H.R. No. 264
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Profound autism is a subtype of autism spectrum
disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability and
significant difficulties with communication; and
WHEREAS, The tasks of daily living may be especially
challenging for children and adults with profound autism, and they
require around-the-clock supervision and assistance from an adult
caregiver throughout their lives; many are nonverbal and may need
various therapies and interventions to improve their overall
development and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, According to a study published by the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention in 2023, profound autism affects
approximately one in every four children with autism; compared to
children with non-profound autism, children with profound autism
are more likely to be female, to be from racial and ethnic minority
groups, to be of low socioeconomic status, and to be born preterm or
with low birth weight; these children are also more likely to
exhibit self-injurious behaviors, to experience seizure disorders,
and to have lower adaptive scores than their peers; and
WHEREAS, Despite the prevalence of the condition, people with
profound autism are frequently excluded from home- and
community-based services due to their intensive support needs,
leaving caregivers with few options to help them manage or cope with
their responsibilities; a 2019 study conducted by the CDC also
found that only six percent of clinical research studies included
people with profound autism as participants; and
WHEREAS, People living with profound autism and their
caregivers often face isolation in our communities, and it is
important that we work together to promote greater support and
inclusion, as well as greater consideration of their unique needs;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism
Awareness Day and encourage Texans to learn more about profound
autism.
Cunningham
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 264 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House