NY J01477

Requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2, 2026, as Autism Awareness Day in New York State, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day

Cites CDC statistics that 1 in 36 children (approximately 2.8%) in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with 26.7% having profound autism requiring extensive support

Notes that individuals served by New York's Office for People With Developmental Disabilities with a primary autism diagnosis increased from 20,789 to 27,434 between 2015 and 2020

Describes autism as a spectrum disorder affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, typically appearing in the first three years of life with no FDA-approved drugs for core symptoms

Calls for greater public awareness and development of programs and services to support individuals with autism and their families