WHEREAS, The term autism was first coined in 1911 by psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, and later refined in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, whose landmark work identified behaviors distinct from other mental disorders and established a foundation for autism-specific research; and

WHEREAS, In the 1970s, psychiatrist Lorna Wing introduced the concept of the autism spectrum, recognizing that the condition encompasses a wide array of traits and symptoms requiring varying levels of clinical intervention; and

WHEREAS, The 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, established a three-level severity scale to categorize support needs, yet this scale often fails to fully capture the unique requirements of individuals with significant intellectual disabilities and minimal communication skills; and

WHEREAS, In 2021, the Lancet Commission formally introduced the designation of profound autism to describe individuals who require care and assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week with daily activities, providing families and clinicians with a vital tool to advocate for those with the most intensive needs; and

WHEREAS, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2023 that 26.7 percent of eight-year-old children identified with autism spectrum disorder meet the criteria for profound autism; and

WHEREAS, Despite their significant needs, a 2019 study revealed that only 6 percent of clinical autism research studies included participants with profound autism, leaving a critical gap in medical and behavioral understanding; and

WHEREAS, The Profound Autism Alliance, a national nonprofit established in 2023, works tirelessly to bridge this gap through dedicated research, specialized services, and advocacy for a population that has been historically misunderstood and

(a)underrepresented; and

WHEREAS, In 2025, 15 states across the nation recognized Profound Autism Day to foster awareness and support for individuals with severe, high-needs autism; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate hereby recognizes March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in California, and urges all citizens to support efforts to increase research, improve services, and ensure the dignity and care of individuals living with profound autism; and be it further

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

SR 89

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