Illinois § 5

§ 5.

Findings. The General Assembly finds the following: (1) The medical consensus is that autism is an idiopathic disorder that has complex and multiple etiologies. The development of autism appears to be a complex interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Both the prevalence and incidence of autism has risen in recent decades. (2) The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in 68 children born in 2002 and one in 42 boys have been identified as living with autism. (3) A 2012 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control of U.S. households estimated one in 50 children ages 6 to 17 has an autism spectrum disorder. (4) Autism spectrum disorders occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. (5) Autism spectrum disorders are almost 5 times more common among boys than among girls. (6) According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism rates increased 78% between 2002 and 2008. The most recent estimate is roughly 30% higher than the estimate for 2008 (one in 88), 60% higher than the estimate for 2006 (one in 110), and 120% higher than the estimates for 2000 and 2002 (one in 150). (7) While autism spectrum disorders have primarily been diagnosed in measuring deficits in the areas of communication, socialization, and behavior, recent clinical and scientific investigations have determined that co-occurring pathophysiological conditions may occur more commonly in persons also diagnosed with autism. These pathologies include, but are not limited to, allergies, autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal diseases, immune dysregulation, metabolic disturbances, mitochondrial abnormalities, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and seizure disorders. (8) Scientific inquiry is providing evidence of biological markers, including, but not limited to, single nucleotide polymorphisms, indications of cellular inflammation, increased cellular oxidation and damage, and abnormal DNA methylation, that may be clinically significant in the provision of appropriate medical care for persons also diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, it is the intention of the General Assembly to promote a greater awareness and the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of underlying and co-occurring medical conditions that occur more commonly in persons with autism to further awareness, scientific understanding, and health outcomes for persons living with autism. (Source: P.A. 99-788, eff. 8-12-16.)