The Vermont Senate has introduced a resolution urging all state agencies, departments, and offices to prioritize the protection of civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy for Vermonters diagnosed with autism. This call to action comes in response to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services' announcement of plans to create a federal autism research database, which raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive personal health information. The resolution emphasizes that autism is a neurological difference rather than a disease and highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals with autism to society.

The resolution also references an executive order from the Governor of Illinois, which mandates strict compliance with privacy protections regarding the collection and use of information related to autism. It stresses the need for Vermont officials to adopt similar measures to ensure that personal data is collected only when necessary and not disclosed without proper consent. The Senate resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to relevant federal and state officials to advocate for the protection of individuals with autism in Vermont.