Commonwealth Recognizes Profound Autism Day on March 17, 2025

The National Autism Center at May Institute applauds state leadership for highlighting and supporting the complex needs of this population

Randolph, Mass. – In a significant step towards increasing awareness and support for individuals with profound autism, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is officially recognizing Monday, March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day established with an executive proclamation from Governor Maura Healey. Additionally, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate have both issued official citations recognizing this first annual Profound Autism Day in Massachusetts.

The effort and advocacy for this formal designation was spearheaded nationally by the Profound Autism Alliance with the lead taken in Massachusetts by the National Autism Center at May Institute, headquartered in Randolph.

Over the past two years, the Profound Autism Alliance has made great strides towards improving understanding of the lives of people with profound autism and their caregivers. However, true progress can be achieved when both policymakers and the public recognize what profound autism means and who it represents. The announcement of Massachusetts’ recognition marks a significant step towards this progress.

“Profound autism is a term used to describe autistic people who require lifetime, 24/7 care,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO of May Institute, and CEO of the National Autism Center at May Institute. “According to the CDC, 26.78%, or one in four autistic children in the United States, meet the criteria for profound autism.”

Research indicates that individuals with profound autism are more likely to be female, from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, from lower socioeconomic status, or born prematurely. Many also experience additional challenges such as self-injurious behaviors, seizure disorders, and lower adaptive functioning.

“Recognition of profound autism is critical for these individuals, and we are so proud to live in a state that has taken the time to very publicly do just that,” continued Dr. Solotar. “At the National Autism Center and May Institute, we are committed to disseminating meaningful, evidence-based information to enhance understanding and to provide the highest quality services to this population.”

“Use of the term profound autism is about clarity, not competition,” said Judith Ursitti, Cofounder & President of the Profound Autism Alliance. “As a mom of a son with profound autism, I know first-hand the consistent, unique, devastating, and often unseen challenges that both individuals with profound autism and their caregivers experience.”

Despite their significant needs, people with profound autism and their caregivers often live in isolation, excluded from vital research and support programs. Recognizing their unique challenges is critical to building a more inclusive and supportive society.

The formal designation follows a proclamation signed by Governor Healey that indicates:

Whereas, profound autism encompasses individuals with significant communication, behavioral, and sensory challenges; and

Whereas, these individuals may require intensive and lifelong support, and their experiences and needs deserve recognition, respect, and understanding from society and

Whereas, awareness and advocacy are crucial in ensuring that individuals with profound autism are provided with the necessary resources, services, and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential and

Whereas, it is imperative to promote inclusion, acceptance, and dignity for all individuals with profound autism, ensuring they are valued and embraced as integral members of our communities; and

Whereas, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals play an essential role in the lives of individuals with profound autism, and their dedication and contributions should be celebrated and supported;

Whereas, we proclaim our commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of profound autism, fostering environments of acceptance and inclusion, and advocating for policies and practices that support individuals with profound autism and their families.

Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
do hereby proclaim March 17, 2025, to be,

Profound Autism Day

And urge all residents of the Commonwealth to take
cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this 17th day of March, in the year two thousand and
twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-eighth.

By Her Excellency
Maura T. Healey
Governor of the Commonwealth

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National Autism Center at May Institute

The National Autism Center is May Institute’s Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive and reliable resources for families, practitioners, and communities.

The National Autism Center resides on a campus shared by May Institute’s corporate headquarters, the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, the May Center for Children and Families, and a Day Habilitation Program for adults with disabilities. Doctoral-and master’s-level professionals with clinical expertise in ASD and profound autism provide oversight, treatment, training, and lead research projects. May is also an APA-approved internship site, drawing talented doctoral students from across the country. The National Autism Center is dedicated to identifying standards of care for the treatment of autism and bringing concerned constituents together to help autistic individuals and their families pursue a better quality of life.

Profound Autism Alliance

The Profound Autism Alliance is a network of partners focused on inclusive research and legislative changes to improve the lives of individuals with profound autism. The Alliance’s mission is to improve the health and connection of these individuals through inclusive research and focused advocacy that will result in meaningful services and supports.