SCR 44: World Autism Awareness Day.

WHEREAS, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reports that approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the urgent need for continued awareness, research, and support; and

WHEREAS, ASD is a lifelong developmental condition resulting from neurological differences that affect brain function, impacting individuals in diverse ways across all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD experience a wide range of strengths and challenges, often including differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior or interest, which require individualized support and understanding from their communities; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals with ASD also experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mental health challenges, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive medical, therapeutic, and educational services to improve their quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and intervention are key to ensuring individuals with ASD have access to critical resources, therapies, and educational opportunities that foster development, independence, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, ASD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, with research indicating that approximately 4 in 100 boys and 1 in 100 girls are identified with the condition, though many girls and women with ASD remain underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in presentation; and

WHEREAS, Raising a child with ASD comes with significant financial and emotional challenges for families, with annual costs estimated at sixty thousand dollars per child and lifetime support for individuals with severe ASD potentially exceeding three million dollars, reinforcing the need for accessible healthcare, education, and community support systems; and

WHEREAS, Employment opportunities for individuals with ASD remain disproportionately limited, with only 21 percent of individuals with disabilities, including those with ASD, securing employment. However, vocational rehabilitation programs have demonstrated success, with 60 percent of individuals with ASD gaining employment after receiving such services, highlighting the importance of workforce inclusion and job training programs; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD are at increased risk of adverse encounters with the criminal justice system due to differences in communication, emotional regulation, and behavior, with studies showing that 19.5 percent of autistic youth and 18 percent of autistic adults have been stopped or arrested by police, reinforcing the need for improved training, awareness, and accommodations within law enforcement and the legal system; and

WHEREAS, Through the advocacy of Suzanne and Bob Wright, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 on December 18, 2007, establishing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, a momentous occasion to increase understanding and promote acceptance of ASD worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirm the right of individuals with ASD and other disabilities to live with dignity, enjoy full participation in society, and access the same fundamental freedoms and opportunities as all individuals; and

WHEREAS, The observance of World Autism Awareness Day serves as a call to action for communities, educators, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to foster inclusivity, expand resources, and create pathways for individuals with ASD to thrive; and

WHEREAS, April 2, 2025, marks the 18th anniversary of the first World Autism Awareness Day, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of individuals with ASD and their families while advocating for policies that promote lifelong support and acceptance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day and encourages all Californians to participate in efforts to promote ASD awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes the importance of expanding access to early intervention services, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and community-based supports to empower individuals with ASD and their families; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.