Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2026, as “Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day”.

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 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

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 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.