Bill Text: IL SR0031 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Encourages the implementation of a program in K-8 schools to mandate student education on topics of neurodivergence to reinforce Illinois' commitment to providing access to an inclusive future for all students and a safe space for all families in education, cognizant of all neurological backgrounds.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2025-01-24 - Referred to Assignments [SR0031 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-SR0031-Introduced.html

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SR0031 LRB104 07368 ECR 17408 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Millions of neurodivergent individuals in the
U.S., an estimated 15 to 20% of the overall population
according to an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Report,
are bullied in primary education school settings; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with autism are up to four times more
likely to experience loneliness than non-autistic people, and
children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
are nearly twice as likely to be physically and emotionally
bullied than their neurotypical peers, according to
information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Children with autism or other neurodivergent
conditions are particularly sensitive to their early social
environments, and positive early interactions, such as
inclusive and supportive peer relationships, can significantly
enhance their emotional well-being and overall development;
and
WHEREAS, A school having an action plan for neurotypical
students provides a simple way to demonstrate kindness,
respect, and accommodation directed towards neurodivergent
peers; and

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WHEREAS, If nothing is done in K-8 education for
vulnerable Illinoisans, countless neurodivergent individuals
will continue being silently oppressed by peers unaware of the
condition that affects their peers; and
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a responsibility to
provide its neurodivergent students with a positive social
environment in primary K-8 education; in doing so, it is
imperative that neurotypical peers receive educational
guidance, in the form of assemblies, workbooks, handbooks,
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, in-classroom
conversations, and other methods, on neurodivergence so they
can become cognizant of the various neurodivergent conditions;
and
WHEREAS, Within schools that encompass a K-8 district,
presentations on topics of neurodivergence can be delivered to
students in an interpersonal format, including, but not
limited to, assemblies and/or presentations; and
WHEREAS, Special needs instructors and/or professionals
should be involved in this process, whether through providing
information or through the development of the assembly itself,
in order to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the
educational materials; and

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WHEREAS, Additional input and content development can be
provided by local groups dedicated to neurodivergence
advocacy, including the Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Project,
which has previously developed presentations used in school
districts, including Illinois' District 102, District 103, and
others; and
WHEREAS, Autism Awareness Month, recognized annually in
the month of April, has been utilized as a time to spread
awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum
disorders; and
WHEREAS, Schools that implement autism awareness programs
during awareness months like April often see a reduction in
bullying incidents as students and staff educated on autism
and neurodivergence as a whole are more likely to intervene
and support students with autism, reducing instances of
oppression in schooling; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage the
implementation of a program in K-8 schools to mandate student
education on topics of neurodivergence to reinforce Illinois'
commitment to providing access to an inclusive future for all
students and a safe space for all families in education,

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