South Carolina H 5314: Profound Autism Day in SC

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5314 Text of Previous Version (Mar. 04, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5314

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

to declare March 17, 2026, as profound Austism Day 
in south carolina.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives recognize March 17, 2026, as 
Profound Autism Day in South Carolina and seek to raise awareness and promote 
understanding of profound autism; and

Whereas, the definition 
of autism has evolved over time, resulting in an increasingly broad and diverse 
spectrum. While the entire autism spectrum warrants recognition and support, 
the term "profound autism" provides important clarification regarding 
individuals who require continuous, lifelong care from an adult caregiver. 
Individuals with profound autism may also have severe intellectual disabilities 
or minimal to no functional language. Due to the complexity of their needs, 
they are often underrepresented in research initiatives and underserved by 
existing support programs; and

Whereas, in April 2023, 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its first prevalence 
study addressing profound autism. The study found that 26.7% percent of 
eight-year-old children diagnosed with autism in the United States meet the 
criteria for profound autism, approximately one in four children with autism. 
The research further indicated that children with profound autism are more 
likely to be female; to come from racial and ethnic minority communities; to be 
of lower socioeconomic status; to have been born preterm or at low birth weight; 
to experience self-injurious behaviors or seizure disorders; and to demonstrate 
lower adaptive functioning scores; and

Whereas, individuals 
with profound autism and their caregivers are valued members of our 
communities, yet many experience isolation and significant challenges in 
accessing appropriate care and support. Meaningful inclusion and thoughtful 
recognition of their distinct and complex needs are essential. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, declare March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in South 
Carolina. 

This web page was last updated on March 04, 2026 at 05:26 PM