A new wave of autism research initiatives has emerged, led by RFK Jr., who announced plans to launch a national database using Medicare and Medicaid data to investigate the root causes of autism. This project has drawn mixed reactions, with health officials and privacy advocates expressing alarm over the potential implications of such a database, citing concerns about privacy and discrimination. In response to these concerns, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order aimed at safeguarding the privacy of autistic residents, making Illinois the first state to impose restrictions on the collection of personal autism records. The federal Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, while asserting its commitment to secure data use, faces scrutiny and criticism over its plans. As the debate unfolds, various stakeholders continue to weigh the benefits of advancing autism research against the ethical implications of accessing sensitive health information.