Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2025, as "Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day".

Bill: 119-hres-752
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Introduced: 2025-09-19
Policy area: Health
Latest action: action_date: 2025-09-19
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Summaries:

tv_txt: IV 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 752 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 19, 2025 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, 2025, as Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day .

Whereas autism is a form of neurodivergence characterized by differences in social communication skills and by repetitive and highly focused behaviors and ways of thinking; Whereas, despite recent efforts to serve Black autistic individuals, there appear to be significant racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of Black autistic children; Whereas Black parents of autistic children reported significantly less autism concerns and behavioral concerns, with children more likely to be seen as disruptive instead of neurodivergent; 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

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 inequalities facing Black autistic individuals; (B) promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of Black autistic individuals; (C) reinforcing the importance of amplifying the voices of Black autistic individuals; and (D) advocating for justice and equity for Black autistic individuals; (3) recognizes that acceptance for Black autistic 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 opportunities; (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 experience, and those variations should be celebrated.