Memorials, Recognition - Profound Autism Day -

This resolution designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day" in Tennessee to symbolically recognize individuals with profound autism - those requiring 24/7 care, often with severe intellectual disability or minimal communication skills. It highlights CDC data showing 26.7% of autistic children (1 in 4) have profound autism, emphasizing their exclusion from support programs and higher prevalence among girls, racial minorities, and low-income families. The resolution is purely commemorative with no policy changes, urging the state to join the Profound Autism Alliance in acknowledging this community.