[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JOSH MIRSKY FOR HIS EFFORTS TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT 
                             NEURODIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS R. SUOZZI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2026

  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Josh 
Mirsky, who created the Neurodiversity Strength Flag. Sadly, many 
neurodivergent Americans feel that they don't belong and that the world 
is not designed for them. Too often, they face ignorance and stigma. 
They face bullying at school, at work, and even in their families. They 
are picked last for sports teams and scolded by teachers for behaviors 
they themselves may not fully understand. They struggle in job 
interviews when employers misinterpret differences in communication 
styles--such as difficulty maintaining eye contact--as a lack of 
confidence or ability.
  For Josh Mirsky, and other neurodivergent Americans, these challenges 
are not signs of personal weakness, but of the weakness of a society 
that has yet to appreciate diverse and unique ways of thinking and 
experiencing the world. The consequences of this misunderstanding can 
be devastating. Research shows that many neurodivergent individuals, 
particularly those with conditions such as autism or ADHD, experience 
significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal 
ideation.
  It was for this reason that Josh created the Neurodiversity Strength 
Flag in October 2021--a flag of red, white, and gold. The design 
features two red bars at each end, a gold backdrop, and a large white 
diamond containing a red infinity symbol, accented with subtle gold 
highlights.
  When asked to explain the symbolism of the flag, Josh said: ``Red is 
a power color, representing the immense inner power and strength of 
neurodivergent people. We have survived and endured so much. In the 
diamond we see value, because deep down we have always known our 
worth--and when this flag flies high, the world will see it as well. In 
gold we see first place. For too long we have been seen and treated as 
second- or third-class citizens. We fly this flag unapologetically and 
say: no more. We are first class, just like the rest of the population. 
And in the infinity symbol we see the true emblem of neurodiversity--
not a puzzle piece struggling to fit in, but an infinite spectrum of 
possibilities.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Josh Mirsky my constituent. His 
creativity, compassion, and dedication to uplifting others is 
exemplary. By creating the Neurodiversity Strength Flag, Josh has given 
a sense of pride and visibility to millions of neurodivergent 
individuals.

                          ____________________