H.Res. 1050

119 HRES 1050 IH: Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2026, as “Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day”.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-02-10
 text/xml
 EN
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 IV  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. RES. 1050  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   February 10, 2026   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, 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
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.