SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 271
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism
Awareness Day and encourage Texans to learn more about profound
autism.
Parker
Birdwell Eckhardt Miles Birdwell Eckhardt Miles
Birdwell Eckhardt Miles
Blanco Flores Paxton Blanco Flores Paxton
Blanco Flores Paxton
Cook Hinojosa of Hidalgo West Cook Hinojosa of Hidalgo West
Cook Hinojosa of Hidalgo West
Creighton Kolkhorst Zaffirini Creighton Kolkhorst Zaffirini
Creighton Kolkhorst Zaffirini
Patrick, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 18, 2025.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
Birdwell Eckhardt Miles
Blanco Flores Paxton
Cook Hinojosa of Hidalgo West
Creighton Kolkhorst Zaffirini