10-05-2025
Pritzker signs executive order to protect privacy of autistic residents
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order that will protect the privacy of autistic residents in Illinois.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy floated the idea of creating an autism database. This prompted immediate concern from many people.
'Their information should be theirs to share how they decide it should be shared,' said Holly Swearingian, manager of OSF Healthcare's Autism Pathways. 'So that was very concerning for a lot of our individuals and families is not knowing where their information might be going.'
Autism Pathways helps to provide support for people of all ages with an autism diagnosis, or for anyone pursuing a diagnosis.
'With the safeguard in place, we'll continue to educate families on their privacy rights and their rights to their health care information privacy,' said Swearingian. 'But also, the importance of pursuing some of those state-based resources or other local agency resources that exist to support them and to help their loved ones live fulfilling lives in whatever way they can.'
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In a statement, Pritzker followed up his order with his reasoning: to keep in place the privacy that autistic residents are owed.
'Every Illinoisan deserves dignity, privacy, and the freedom to live without fear of surveillance or discrimination,' Pritzker said. 'As Donald Trump and DOGE threaten these freedoms, we are taking steps to ensure that our state remains a leader in protecting the rights of individuals with autism and all people with disabilities.'
To learn about how to get involved with Autism Pathways, click here.
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