The South Carolina House of Representatives has introduced a resolution to officially declare March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in the state. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of profound autism, a condition that necessitates continuous, lifelong care from adult caregivers. The resolution highlights the evolving definition of autism and emphasizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with profound autism, who may also have severe intellectual disabilities or limited functional language.

The resolution references a 2023 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that approximately 26.7% of eight-year-old children diagnosed with autism in the U.S. meet the criteria for profound autism. It notes that these individuals are often underrepresented in research and underserved by support programs, particularly those from minority communities or lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The resolution underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the distinct needs of individuals with profound autism and their caregivers, advocating for their inclusion and support within the community.