HHS has appointed 19 new members to its Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.
The appointments reflect HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s focus on aligning national autism policy with what he described as “gold-standard science,” according to a Jan. 28 news release shared with Becker’s. The group includes physicians, researchers, nonprofit leaders, educators, and self-advocates with personal and professional experience across the autism spectrum.
According to HHS, the new members bring expertise in systems biology, neurodevelopmental conditions, public health policy and biomedical research. Several appointees also lead organizations dedicated to advancing autism care.
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.
In September 2025, President Donald Trump linked Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy to an increased prevalence of autism. The FDA also notified clinicians that Tylenol use during pregnancy could be associated with an increased risk of autism and ADHD, although healthcare organizations said the claims were unfounded.
The federal government is currently investigating multiple potential causes of autism.
