Res 0510-2026

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is "a developmental disability characterized by difficulties with social interaction or communication and the presence of restricted interests or repetitive behaviors . . . with wide variation in the type and severity of signs, symptoms, and levels of support needed"; and Whereas, In 2022, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, funded by the CDC to collect data in a survey of 16 monitoring sites across the United States, estimated that 1 in 31 eight-year-olds-or about 3 percent of eight-year-olds-were identified as having ASD; and Whereas, This 2022 estimate marks an increase in ASD prevalence from 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in 2020 as well as a substantial increase from ASD prevalence of 1 in 150 eight-year-olds in 2000; and Whereas, In 2022, ASD was identified in about three times as many boys as girls, and its prevalence was higher among Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic eight-year-olds than among White eight-year-olds, continuing a trend first noted in 2020; and Whereas, Autistic Pride Day was first created and commemorated in 2005 by Aspies For Freedom, an organization led by individuals with ASD, so that all individuals with ASD would have a designated day for proudly celebrating their self-determination and neurodiversity at a variety of social and intellectual events, which are run by individuals with ASD; and Whereas, Autistic Pride Day advocates and participants envision a future where barriers in public life are removed, neurodivergence is seen as a natural part of human diversity, and all individuals with ASD have access to opportunity, including being respected as leaders and workers across all walks of life; and Whereas, The logo for Autistic Pride Day is a rainbow-colored infinity sign, which symbolizes the diversity of individuals with ASD, their differences, and their limitless potential; and Whereas, Autistic Pride Day is now celebrated worldwide and connects individuals with ASD across many cultures and lived experiences; and Whereas, In 2007, the United Nations (UN), by resolution, also celebrated the global ASD community by designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day and has worked since then "to promote the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society"; and Whereas, According to data provided for 2015-2016 by the New York City Department of Education to the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development's Research Alliance for New York City Schools, about 7 percent of the more than 200,000 students who are eligible for special education services and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are classified as having autism; and Whereas, Organizations in New York City (NYC) support outreach to individuals with ASD, including Autistic Adults NYC, a community-building and advocacy group led by autistic individuals, which sponsors events and offers resources for over 1,000 members; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares June 18 as Autistic Pride Day in the City of New York. LS #20807 12/4/2025 RHP 1