The National Landscape by the Numbers
1 in 31
Children in the U.S. are identified with autism (CDC, 2025).
A five-fold increase since 2000, highlighting a growing public health priority.
1 in 42
Children in Illinois are identified, lagging the national average.
This suggests significant barriers to diagnosis and “diagnostic deserts” in rural areas.
39–85%
Unemployment rate for autistic adults.
The worst employment gap of any disability group—transition services aren’t keeping pace.
9–24
Months average wait for a diagnostic evaluation in Illinois.
Delays cost the most crucial window for early intervention.
3.8×
Boys more likely to be identified than girls.
Points to under-identification of autism in girls.
45
States (incl. Illinois) rated “Needs Assistance” for IDEA implementation.
Persistent compliance crisis in special education.
The Promise of the Law
IDEA
Guarantees FAPE via the IEP. Endrew F. requires programs reasonably calculated for progress appropriate to the child’s circumstances.
Section 504
Civil-rights guardrail: ensures equal access via reasonable accommodations in any federally funded program (including public schools).
ADA
Extends protections: accessibility & non-discrimination across buildings, programs, and activities.
Systemic Challenges: The Gap Between Promise & Reality
The “Service Cliff”
Exiting IDEA means losing entitlement; adults face years-long waits (e.g., Illinois PUNS) for housing/employment supports. Legal anchor: IDEA Part B eligibility caps; adult services are eligibility- & funding-based.
K-12 Implementation Crisis
Persistent non-compliance leads to weak IEPs, inadequate FBAs/BIPs, and poor transition planning.
Disproportionate Discipline
Autistic students are more likely to be excluded or restrained rather than supported with positive, lawful interventions.
The Diagnostic Bottleneck
Shortages create 9–24 month waits; kids miss the prime window for early intervention.
Pathways Forward: A Call to Action
Embrace Neurodiversity & Center Autistic Voices
Adopt the social model; “Nothing About Us, Without Us” guides policy and practice.
Break the Diagnostic Bottleneck
Fund telehealth evals, train specialists, raise Medicaid rates—especially in rural “diagnostic deserts.”
Close the K–12 Implementation Gap
Tie funding to IDEA compliance. Require quality FBAs/BIPs and real transition plans with warm handoffs.
Fully Fund the Adult System
The PUNS waitlist is a policy choice to ration care—phase it out with a multi-year funding plan.