How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Illinois

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you're looking for how to get an autism diagnosis in Illinois, you'll find world-class diagnostic programs in Chicago alongside a state-funded system through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that provides services from birth through adulthood. One thing Illinois families must know immediately: the PUNS waitlist (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) is Illinois' gateway to adult services, and families should register as early as possible — not when their child nears adulthood.

How to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Illinois: Your First Steps

Start with your child's pediatrician. Bring specific, written observations — missed speech milestones, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, challenges with social interaction — and ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician or licensed psychologist for a comprehensive autism evaluation.

At the same time, contact Illinois Early Intervention (EI) immediately if your child is under age 3. Illinois EI evaluations are free and do not require a prior diagnosis — developmental delay alone qualifies. Contact your local Child and Family Connections (CFC) office, or call 1-800-323-4769 (the statewide EI hotline) to be connected to your region's program. There are 25 CFC offices across the state.

For children age 3 and older, contact your school district. School districts must evaluate children suspected of having disabilities at no cost under IDEA Part B.

Search diagnostic providers in Illinois →

Choosing an Evaluation Center in Illinois

Illinois has some of the country's best pediatric academic medical centers concentrated in Chicago, along with programs in Peoria, Springfield, and other downstate cities.

Chicago / Chicagoland

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago: One of the top children's hospitals in the country; offers comprehensive autism evaluations through its Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics program. Expect 12–18 month waits for new patients.
• Rush University Medical Center (Chicago): Strong developmental-behavioral pediatrics and neuropsychology programs; 9–14 month typical waits.
• University of Chicago Medicine / Comer Children's Hospital: Nationally recognized program; 10–15 month waits. Stronger emphasis on research-linked evaluation.
• Advocate Children's Hospital (Park Ridge and Oak Lawn): Good option for suburban families; more accessible than downtown Chicago centers. 6–10 month waits.
• UIC College of Medicine / UI Health: University of Illinois at Chicago program; Medicaid-friendly; strong focus on underserved communities. 6–12 month waits.
• Northwestern Medicine (Chicago): Neurology and developmental-behavioral programs for older children and adults seeking diagnosis.

Downstate Illinois

• OSF Children's Hospital / University of Illinois College of Medicine (Peoria): Primary hub for Central Illinois; 6–12 month typical waits.
• SIU School of Medicine (Springfield): Serves Central/Southern Illinois families; shorter waits than Chicago-area programs.
• Southern Illinois University (Carbondale area): Training clinic options with reduced fees for Southern Illinois families.

Private Practice Psychologists Illinois has a large number of licensed psychologists offering autism evaluations, particularly in the Chicago suburbs (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will counties). Typical waits of 2–4 months. Verify use of ADOS-2, DSM-5 criteria, and familiarity with Illinois school eligibility standards.

Getting on multiple waitlists at once is strongly recommended — combine a Chicago academic program, a suburban private psychologist, and the school district's evaluation request.

Illinois-Specific Programs and Rights (Apply Immediately)

Early Intervention (EI) — Ages 0–3 Illinois' Early Intervention program provides free evaluations and services for children under 3 with developmental delays. No autism diagnosis is required. Contact your regional Child and Family Connections (CFC) office or call 1-800-323-4769. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed and services must begin within 30 days.

School District IEP — Ages 3–21 Illinois school districts must evaluate children suspected of having a disability at no cost within 60 school days of a written request. The district's Multidisciplinary Staff Evaluation Team (MSET) conducts the evaluation. If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at district expense if you disagree with the school's findings.

IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities — All Ages The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides Medicaid waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. Key programs include:

• Home-Based Support Services (HBSS) Waiver: Supports for individuals living at home, including skill development, behavior support, and respite care.
• Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) Waiver: Residential services for adults needing supported living.
• Community Day Services (CDS): Day programs and supported employment for adults.
• Supported Living: An alternative to CILA for adults who want more independence.

PUNS — Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services (Register Immediately) PUNS is Illinois' waitlist and prioritization system for adult developmental disability services. It is the single most important thing to know for Illinois families: register your child on PUNS as early as possible, regardless of how far away adulthood seems. The waitlist can be extremely long, and registration date matters. Contact your local IDHS office or call 1-800-843-6154 to start the PUNS registration process.

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) — Age 14+ Illinois DRS helps autistic teens and adults prepare for and find employment. Services include job coaching, education funding, career planning, and assistive technology. Apply through the DRS website or visit a local office.

Illinois Autism Insurance Mandate Illinois' autism insurance mandate (SB 1761, enacted 2008, strengthened since) requires all state-regulated health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including Applied Behavior Analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Coverage applies to individuals up to age 21 under the state mandate. The mandate applies to state-regulated group and individual plans. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA plans) may not be covered by state law — check your plan documents.

Autism Society of Illinois The Autism Society of Illinois provides information, advocacy, and referrals to families across the state. Their resource database and helpline can connect you to local evaluators, service providers, and legal advocates.

What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation in Illinois

A comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

• Parent/caregiver interview covering developmental history, family history, and current concerns
• Standardized cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V for school-age, Bayley-4 for toddlers)
• Adaptive behavior assessment (e.g., Vineland-3)
• Autism-specific instruments: ADOS-2 and/or ADI-R
• Direct observation in structured and unstructured settings
• A written report with DSM-5 diagnostic conclusions, support-level designation, and service recommendations (2–6 weeks after testing)

Once you have the report, bring it to your IDHS DDD intake, your school district, your insurance company, and any therapy providers — and start the PUNS registration process without delay.

Find autism therapists and support in Illinois →