,,iv #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,,res4 #geb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #ai1 #bjbe,mr4 ,lawler submitted the following resolution2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce ,,resolution ,expressing support for the designation of ,september #ai1 #bjbe1 as ,black ,autism ,acceptance and ,awareness ,day4 ,whereas autism is a form of neurodivergence characterized by differences in social communication skills and by repetitive and highly focused behaviors and ways of thinking2 ,whereas1 despite recent efforts to serve ,black autistic individuals1 there appear to be significant racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of ,black autistic children2 ,whereas ,black parents of autistic children reported significantly less autism concerns and behavioral concerns1 with children more likely to be seen as disruptive instead of neurodivergent2 ,whereas ,black autistic individuals are more likely to be misdiagnosed1 underdiagnosed1 and diagnosed late2 ,whereas ,black autistic individuals are underrepresented in autism research2 ,whereas ,black autistic individuals have been found to have more difficulty in accessing specialty care2 ,whereas the ,black community reports more accounts of marginalization and dismissal of concerns in health care settings1 including in the autism space2 ,whereas ,black autistic youth face increased risk of negative outcomes during interactions with law enforcement2 and ,whereas ,black autistic youth face disproportionate discipline at school1 resulting in a higher prevalence of suspensions1 expulsions1 and other classroom punishments3 ,now1 therefore1 be it ,that the ,house of ,representatives-- 7#a7 expresses support for the designation of ,black ,autism ,acceptance and ,awareness ,day2 7#b7 encourages all ,americans to celebrate ,black ,autism ,acceptance and ,awareness ,day by-- 7,a7 raising awareness about the inequalities facing ,black autistic individuals2 7,b7 promoting understanding1 acceptance1 and inclusion of ,black autistic individuals2 7,c7 reinforcing the importance of amplifying the voices of ,black autistic individuals2 and 7,d7 advocating for justice and equity for ,black autistic individuals2 7#c7 recognizes that acceptance for ,black autistic individuals is essential2 7#d7 recognizes that true acceptance for ,black autistic individuals means culturally competent care1 challenging existing biases1 building community1 and providing equitable access to resources and opportunities2 7#e7 recognizes that autism does not end after childhood1 and resources and acceptance are needed for ,black autistic individuals into adulthood2 and 7#f7 recognizes that neurological differences1 like autism1 are natural variations in the human experience1 and those variations should be celebrated4