Federal Autism Advisory Meeting Cancelled as Independent Scientists Convene
A scheduled meeting of the federal committee that guides autism research has been cancelled, just as an independent group of scientists announces plans to meet the same day.
A public meeting of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee — the federal body that helps guide national autism research priorities — has been cancelled, creating uncertainty around how discussions about the future of autism research and services will unfold this week.
The cancellation comes amid broader changes to the committee under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose department recently overhauled the advisory board’s membership. The meeting had been expected to bring together federal agencies, researchers, clinicians, and community representatives to discuss current priorities in autism research and policy.
At the same time, a new effort is emerging outside of government.
Autism research and advocacy leaders have announced the formation of the Independent Autism Coordinating Committee (I-ACC), a group intended to coordinate work among non-governmental autism research funders. Organizers say the initiative is designed to help align research prioritie…
