The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee outlined a set of federal policy and care recommendations in an April 28 letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In January, HHS appointed 21 new members to the committee, bringing expertise in systems biology, neurodevelopmental conditions, public health policy and biomedical research. The committee advises federal agencies on autism research, services and policy. It operates under HHS and includes both federal officials and members of the public.
The Autism Science Foundation said the overhaul has “fundamentally compromised” the committee and “disproportionately represents a very small subset of families who believe vaccines cause autism, while excluding the overwhelming majority of autistic individuals, families and advocates who support evidence-based science.”
In March, a group of scientists created a shadow organization called the Independent Autism Coordinating Committee.
The federal government is currently investigating multiple potential causes of autism.
Here are five things to know:
- The committee said gaps in autism care stem from failures in “translation, implementation and coordination” across existing federal systems.
- It recommended CMS clarify Medicaid early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment requirements for children with autism, including screening for co-occurring conditions and safety risks.
- It urged the Health Resources and Services Administration to issue standardized clinical guidance and expand provider training related to autism care, according to the letter.
- The group called for adoption of “profound autism” as a federal research and policy designation based on functional criteria.
- It recommends HHS issue an interagency implementation directive within 90 to 120 days and expand use of existing alert systems for autism-related wandering incidents.
The committee said the recommendations can be implemented within existing federal authority and are aligned with the Autism CARES Act of 2024.
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