Illinois: speech-language pathologists may diagnose autism

Illinois has enacted legislation expanding the range of licensed professionals who may diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children, with the goal of improving access to timely evaluations and reducing delays in diagnosis. The law authorizes qualified advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and clinical psychologists who meet specified education, training, and experience requirements to provide autism diagnoses, in addition to physicians. Supporters expect the change to help address shortages of specialists and reduce wait times for families seeking assessments, while maintaining professional qualification standards for those authorized to perform evaluations. 

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