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Illinois governor is first in US to block federal access to personal data on autism

On April 18, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the first U.S. Executive order blocking federal access to personal autism-related health data within the state.
The order was issued shortly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the federal health department, revealed plans to investigate the causes of autism using government data amid his controversial assertions linking vaccines to autism.
Experts emphasize autism's complexity and spectrum, noting increased diagnoses reflect broader diagnostic criteria and systematic changes rather than a single cause.
CDC data shows autism prevalence rose from one in 36 children in 2020 to 32.2 per 1000 in 2022, with studies indicating about 90% of diagnoses have genetic links.
Pritzker’s order aims to protect privacy and dignity, reflecting concerns from autism advocates about harmful focus on a sole environmental cause and potential discrimination.

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Tucson Local Media

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Autism: Truth versus fiction

Autism has dominated many news outlets, and there has been information and misinformation.

25 days ago

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Associated Press News

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Illinois governor is first in US to block federal access to personal data on autism

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has signed an executive order protecting the privacy of autism-related health data.

26 days ago·United States

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isba.org

Pritzker issues executive order in response to federal effort to create autism database | Illinois State Bar Association

Pritzker issues executive order in response to federal effort to create autism databaseIllinois’ governor signed an executive order that restricts state agencies from collecting and sharing autism-related data, in response to federal efforts to create a database for autism research. Source: The State Journal-Register

24 days ago

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Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly –

Illinois gov first in U.S. to block federal access to personal data on autism – Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

Illinois becomes first state to ban federal access to personal autism-related health data, citing privacy concerns and protection from discrimination.

25 days ago

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scientias.nl

Babies who sleep less at night have a greater chance of developing autism

An Australian study of more than a thousand babies has discovered that the more a baby sleeps at night, the less likely he or she is to develop autistic traits later in life. Every extra hour of sleep at six months of age appears to be associated with more than 4 percent fewer autistic traits at two and four years of age. In addition, these babies have about […] More science? Read the latest articles on Scientias.nl .

25 days ago·Middelharnis, Netherlands

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