WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges with signs that begin during childhood and typically continue through a person’s life; and

WHEREAS, many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, processing information, or interacting with or reacting to things; and

WHEREAS, autism varies greatly from person to person with no two people being alike; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and

WHEREAS, one in four individuals with autism have profound autism and face significant challenges in communication, social interaction, and daily functioning, often requiring intensive, continuous support and care to navigate the world around them; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for autism, but a holistic system of therapies and supports can meet the needs of individuals and their families; and

WHEREAS, numerous member-led organizations throughout Virginia provide support and services to autistic individuals and their families and advocate tirelessly at all levels of government for their full inclusion and opportunity in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to enhancing opportunities for individuals with autism by supporting education, employment, and community involvement initiatives that empower them to lead fulfilling and independent lives; and

WHEREAS, individuals with ASD are our classmates, colleagues, friends, and loved ones and greatly contribute their strengths, talents, and abilities to their communities in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, autism acceptance is only the beginning, and Virginia recognizes that real progress happens when acceptance turns into action; and

WHEREAS, autistic individuals deserve more than passive support; they deserve policies, workplaces, schools, and communities that actively uplift and include them; and

WHEREAS, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and prioritize the inclusion of autistic individuals and their families and honors self-advocates and all who work every day to create more opportunities in our communities; and

WHEREAS, this month, and every month, we celebrate the numerous ways individuals with autism enrich our world and encourage and support individuals with profound autism along with those who love and care for them;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2025, as AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.