IV 
119TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1050 
Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2026, as ‘‘Black 
Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 10, 2026 
Mr. LAWLER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 
2026, as ‘‘Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day’’. 
Whereas autism is a form of neurodivergence characterized 
by differences in social communication skills and by re-
petitive and highly focused behaviors and ways of think-
ing; 
Whereas, despite recent efforts to serve Black autistic indi-
viduals, there appear to be significant racial inequities in 
the diagnosis and treatment of Black autistic children; 
Whereas Black parents of autistic children reported signifi-
cantly less autism concerns and behavioral concerns, with 
children more likely to be seen as ‘‘disruptive’’ instead of 
neurodivergent; 
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Whereas Black autistic individuals are more likely to be 
misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and diagnosed late; 
Whereas Black autistic individuals are underrepresented in 
autism research; 
Whereas Black autistic individuals have been found to have 
more difficulty in accessing specialty care; 
Whereas the Black community reports more accounts of 
marginalization and dismissal of concerns in health care 
settings, including in the autism space; 
Whereas Black autistic youth face increased risk of negative 
outcomes during interactions with law enforcement; and 
Whereas Black autistic youth face disproportionate discipline 
at school, resulting in a higher prevalence of suspensions, 
expulsions, and other classroom punishments: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) expresses support for the designation of 
‘‘Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day’’; 
(2) encourages all Americans to celebrate Black 
Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day by— 
(A) raising awareness about the inequal-
ities facing Black autistic individuals; 
(B) promoting understanding, acceptance, 
and inclusion of Black autistic individuals; 
(C) reinforcing the importance of ampli-
fying the voices of Black autistic individuals; 
and 
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(D) advocating for justice and equity for 
Black autistic individuals; 
(3) recognizes that acceptance for Black autis-
tic individuals is essential; 
(4) recognizes that true acceptance for Black 
autistic individuals means culturally competent care, 
challenging existing biases, building community, and 
providing equitable access to resources and opportu-
nities; 
(5) recognizes that autism does not end after 
childhood, and resources and acceptance are needed 
for Black autistic individuals into adulthood; and 
(6) recognizes that neurological differences, like 
autism, are natural variations in the human experi-
ence, and those variations should be celebrated. 
Æ 
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