SESSION WATCH
THE BILL ITSELF

HR 8097

Profound Autism Awareness Day

VERSION H 8097 Filed · BACK TO THE SUMMARY · OFFICIAL RECORD

underlined language is being added; struck language is being deleted. Line numbers are the Legislature's own — the same ones amendments cite.

1 House Resolution
2 A resolution designating March 17, 2026, as "Profound
3 Autism Awareness Day" in Florida.
5 WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder is a developmental
6 disability that affects communication, behavior, and social
7 interaction, and
8 WHEREAS, individuals with profound autism represent a
9 distinct and vulnerable segment of the autism community and are
10 often characterized by significant intellectual disabilities,
11 minimal or no functional language skills, and the need for
12 substantial, lifelong support, and
13 WHEREAS, many individuals with profound autism require 24-
14 hour supervision and intensive services to ensure their safety,
15 health, and quality of life, and
16 WHEREAS, families and caregivers of individuals with
17 profound autism often face extraordinary emotional, physical,
18 and financial challenges while navigating complex service
19 systems, and
20 WHEREAS, access to appropriate medical care, behavioral
21 support, education, residential options, and employment services
22 remains limited for individuals with profound autism, and
23 WHEREAS, increased public awareness is necessary to ensure
24 that individuals with profound autism are fully included in
25 research initiatives and resource allocation decisions, and
26 WHEREAS, recognizing a day dedicated to profound autism
27 promotes understanding, compassion, and meaningful action to
28 address the unique needs of this population, NOW, THEREFORE,
30 Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
31 Florida:
33 That March 17, 2026, is designated as "Profound Autism
34 Awareness Day" in Florida.