08/08/2026
Illinois has become the first state in the country to create a new pathway allowing specially trained speech-language pathologists to diagnose autism in certain young children.
The change is aimed at children under 3 in Illinois’ Early Intervention Program, where families can face months or even years waiting for an autism evaluation. Under the new law, qualified SLPs with specific autism diagnostic training will be able to provide evaluations alongside the existing medical pathway.
The idea grew from Northwestern University’s “Reduce the Wait” research, which looked at how children could receive answers and support earlier.
For families sitting on long waitlists, another qualified route to diagnosis could mean getting support much sooner.
The law was signed July 10 and is expected to take effect January 1, 2028, following an implementation period.
📰 : Illinois General Assembly, Northwestern University
