WHEREAS, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reports that approximately 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the urgent need for continued awareness, research, and support; and

WHEREAS, ASD is a lifelong developmental condition resulting from neurological differences that affect brain function, impacting individuals in diverse ways across all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD experience a wide range of strengths and challenges, often including differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior or interest, which require individualized support and understanding from their communities; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals with ASD also experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mental health challenges, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive medical, therapeutic, and educational services to improve quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and intervention are key to ensuring individuals with ASD have access to critical resources, therapies, and educational opportunities that foster development, independence, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, ASD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, with research indicating ASD is 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (approximately 4.9 out of 100 boys) than girls (1.4 out of 100 girls), though many girls and women with ASD remain underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in presentation; and

WHEREAS, Raising a child with ASD comes with significant financial and emotional challenges for families, with annual costs estimated at $60,000 per child and lifetime support for individuals with severe autism potentially exceeding $3 million, reinforcing the need for accessible healthcare, education, and community support systems; and

WHEREAS, Employment opportunities for individuals with ASD remain disproportionately limited, with only 22.7 percent of individuals with disabilities, including those with ASD, securing employment. However, vocational rehabilitation programs have demonstrated success, with 60 percent of individuals with ASD gaining employment after receiving such services, highlighting the importance of workforce inclusion and job training programs; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD are at increased risk of adverse encounters with the criminal justice system due to differences in communication, emotional regulation, and behavior, with studies showing that 19.5 percent of autistic youth and 18 percent of autistic adults have been stopped or arrested by police, reinforcing the need for improved training, awareness, and accommodations within law enforcement and the legal system; and

WHEREAS, ASD advocacy has increasingly emphasized not only awareness but also acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful participation, recognizing that individuals with ASD deserve full opportunities to live, learn, work, and contribute within their communities; and

WHEREAS, The concept of neurodiversity recognizes neurological differences, including ASD, as natural variations of the human experience, and acknowledges that individuals with ASD bring unique talents, perspectives, creativity, and strengths that enrich society; and

WHEREAS, Families, caregivers, educators, therapists, and support professionals play a critical role in supporting individuals with ASD, often dedicating extraordinary time, resources, advocacy, and emotional commitment to ensure their loved ones can access opportunities and lead fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals with ASD experience a significant gap in services and opportunities as they transition from school-based supports into adulthood, underscoring the need to expand adult day programs, vocational training initiatives, employment pathways, and independent living supports that promote long-term stability and community participation; and

WHEREAS, Inclusive employment initiatives have demonstrated that individuals with ASD possess valuable skills including attention to detail, creativity, persistence, and innovative thinking, and businesses that embrace neurodiverse hiring practices benefit from stronger, more dynamic, and more productive workforces; and

WHEREAS, Community-based organizations, nonprofit programs, and local initiatives across California play an essential role in providing vocational training, creative arts opportunities, social engagement programs, and family support services that empower individuals with ASD to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections; and

WHEREAS, Arts-based programs, creative expression, and cultural engagement have proven to be especially powerful tools in supporting communication, emotional development, job readiness, and community participation for individuals with ASD; and

WHEREAS, Autistic self-advocates have become powerful voices in shaping public understanding of ASD and advancing policies that promote dignity, autonomy, and full participation in society; and

WHEREAS, Expanding ASD awareness and training among educators, healthcare professionals, employers, law enforcement officers, and first responders can help ensure that individuals with ASD are understood, supported, and treated with appropriate care and respect in schools, workplaces, and community interactions; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with ASD have made meaningful contributions to the arts, sciences, technology, culture, and civic life, demonstrating that neurodiversity strengthens communities and fosters innovation across society; and

WHEREAS, California’s continued commitment to expanding access to regional center services, Department of Rehabilitation programs, inclusive education initiatives, and community-based support systems is essential to ensuring that individuals with ASD and their families have the resources necessary to thrive throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, Through the advocacy of Suzanne and Bob Wright, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 on December 18, 2007, establishing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, a momentous occasion to increase understanding and promote acceptance of autism worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirm the right of individuals with ASD and other disabilities to live with dignity, enjoy full participation in society, and access the same fundamental freedoms and opportunities as all individuals; and

WHEREAS, The observance of World Autism Awareness Day serves as a call to action for communities, educators, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to foster inclusivity, expand resources, and create pathways for individuals with ASD to thrive; and

WHEREAS, April 2, 2026, marks the 19th anniversary of the first World Autism Awareness Day, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of individuals with ASD and their families while advocating for policies that promote lifelong support and acceptance; now, therefore, be it