Chung-Backed Bill Allows Autism Evaluations to be Administered Earlier, Diagnoses Given Faster

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. –  State Rep. Chung, D-Bloomington, supported legislation allowing qualified speech-language pathologists to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) if the child is under age three and has no co-occurring medical conditions. With more evaluators, more evaluations can be conducted and more diagnoses given.

“Screening children for autism spectrum disorder at an early age can be life changing for some families to ensure their child is getting all of the support and accommodations they need,” said Chung. “As parents, we’re willing to do whatever it takes to help our kids, and this is one way to tend to our kids’ needs as soon as possible.”

House Bill 5225 would allow a qualified speech-language pathologist to diagnose ASD, so long as the child is under age three and has no pre-existing medical conditions, such as seizures, gastrointestinal problems or sleep disorders. The licensed speech-language pathologist would need to have an active autism evaluation credential issued by the Illinois Early Intervention Program, and the diagnosis must occur as part of the program.

Following diagnosis by a qualified speech pathologist, children must be referred to appropriate medical personnel for further evaluation or management for services outside the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist.

“An ASD diagnosis is life changing for many reasons, but as a parent it means we can start to understand our children and their needs better,” said Chung. “With this bill, we’ll not only see earlier ASD diagnoses but also care and support plans that are developed much earlier in the child’s life.”

House Bill 5225 passed the House with bipartisan support and heads to the Senate for consideration.