Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HJR0039

HJ0039 LRB104 13687 LAW 26365 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in every group of 31 eight-year-old children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and

WHEREAS, ASD encompasses a broad and diverse population of individuals with unique strengths, support needs, communication styles, and lived experiences; and

WHEREAS, Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Scientific research has identified multiple factors that may increase the likelihood of an autism diagnosis, including environmental, biological, and genetic factors; and

WHEREAS, Outdated language that frames autism as a "chronic disease" or "epidemic" misrepresents the experience of Autistic individuals and fuels stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers; and

WHEREAS, Neurodiversity, including autism, enhances communities through a broader range of perspectives, innovations, and creative contributions; and

WHEREAS, Effective public policy must be informed by the voices of Autistic individuals, their families, disability-led organizations, researchers, and practitioners to ensure it is evidence-based, community-informed, and aligned with human rights principles; and

WHEREAS, A growing number of autism diagnoses requires not alarm but action, specifically, investment in accessible, early, and culturally affirming supports that reflect the diversity of Illinois families, regardless of income, zip code, language, or identity; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that Illinois continues to strive toward equitable systems of care, education, and opportunity that center the lived experiences of Autistic individuals and affirm their humanity, autonomy, and belonging; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the health, dignity, and civil rights of all people with disabilities, including Autistic individuals across the spectrum of strengths, needs, and identities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize and honor the rightful presence, contributions, and leadership of neurodivergent individuals in inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities throughout every stage of life.