SR0031 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0031 LRB104 07368 ECR 17408 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Millions of neurodivergent individuals in the U.S., an estimated 15 to 20% of the overall population according to an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Report, are bullied in primary education school settings; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with autism are up to four times more likely to experience loneliness than non-autistic people, and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are nearly twice as likely to be physically and emotionally bullied than their neurotypical peers, according to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Children with autism or other neurodivergent conditions are particularly sensitive to their early social environments, and positive early interactions, such as inclusive and supportive peer relationships, can significantly enhance their emotional well-being and overall development; and

WHEREAS, A school having an action plan for neurotypical students provides a simple way to demonstrate kindness, respect, and accommodation directed towards neurodivergent peers; and

WHEREAS, If nothing is done in K-8 education for vulnerable Illinoisans, countless neurodivergent individuals will continue being silently oppressed by peers unaware of the condition that affects their peers; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a responsibility to provide its neurodivergent students with a positive social environment in primary K-8 education; in doing so, it is imperative that neurotypical peers receive educational guidance, in the form of assemblies, workbooks, handbooks, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, in-classroom conversations, and other methods, on neurodivergence so they can become cognizant of the various neurodivergent conditions; and

WHEREAS, Within schools that encompass a K-8 district, presentations on topics of neurodivergence can be delivered to students in an interpersonal format, including, but not limited to, assemblies and/or presentations; and

WHEREAS, Special needs instructors and/or professionals should be involved in this process, whether through providing information or through the development of the assembly itself, in order to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the educational materials; and

WHEREAS, Additional input and content development can be provided by local groups dedicated to neurodivergence advocacy, including the Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Project, which has previously developed presentations used in school districts, including Illinois' District 102, District 103, and others; and

WHEREAS, Autism Awareness Month, recognized annually in the month of April, has been utilized as a time to spread awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, Schools that implement autism awareness programs during awareness months like April often see a reduction in bullying incidents as students and staff educated on autism and neurodivergence as a whole are more likely to intervene and support students with autism, reducing instances of oppression in schooling; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage the implementation of a program in K-8 schools to mandate student education on topics of neurodivergence to reinforce Illinois' commitment to providing access to an inclusive future for all students and a safe space for all families in education, cognizant of all neurological backgrounds.