Senator Alvarado-Gil celebrates passage of SR 89 establishing March 17 as Profound Autism Day in California

Click Here to see my introduction of SR 89 and of the Soracco family

Senator Alvarado-Gil with the Soracco family on the Senate Floor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) today celebrated the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 89, which officially recognizes March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in California.
The resolution highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals with Profound Autism, who require 24-hour care and assistance with daily living due to significant intellectual disabilities and minimal or no verbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26.7 percent of eight-year-old children identified with Autism spectrum disorder meet the criteria for Profound Autism. Yet research remains critically lacking, with a 2019 study showing that only 6 percent of clinical Autism studies included participants with Profound Autism.
“This recognition is long overdue,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “I am committed to increasing research, expanding specialized services, and ensuring that every Californian living with Profound Autism is treated with the dignity and support they deserve.”
Senator Alvarado-Gil was joined by families impacted by Profound Autism, including Megan and Jerald Soracco, whose daughter Angie lives with the condition and inspired Alvarado-Gil’s resolution. The Soraccos shared:
“We are extremely thankful to Senator Alvarado-Gil for recognizing the need for continued services and programs for special needs adults and for taking the time to listen to families like ours. We look forward to the great changes that will come from our State Senate.”
The resolution joins similar efforts in 15 other states and aims to bring greater awareness and advocacy for this often-overlooked segment of the Autism community, but California still lags behind; it must do more to catch up.
Despite its strong reputation for general autism support, the state has not yet enacted targeted legislation or dedicated funding to address the intensive, lifelong needs of individuals with profound autism.

Families continue to face significant gaps in critical services, such as 24/7 residential care, specialized caregiver training, and prioritized research inclusion, compared to several other states that have advanced more comprehensive policies.