The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has extended the public comment period for its working draft of the 2026–2028 IACC Strategic Plan to 30 days after autism advocacy organizations and other stakeholders requested additional time to review the proposal.
The committee said the extension responds to outreach from autism organizations and other stakeholders seeking more time to review and engage with the draft. According to Sylvia Fogel, MD, IACC chair, a 90-day review period requested by some advocates could “delay the committee’s timely fulfillment of its responsibilities under the Autism CARES Act of 2024.” Comments should be submitted by Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. ET.
An IACC meeting currently scheduled for July 31 is expected to be rescheduled, with a new date and other details to be announced.
Before the extension was granted, several national autism advocacy organizations issued a joint statement criticizing the original public comment process, saying the review period was too short for a document exceeding 300 pages and urging HHS and the IACC to allow additional time for meaningful public input.
The draft plan proposes assigning federal agencies responsibility for specific actions and performance measures, rather than identifying priorities alone. It also outlines proposals including a National Autism Precision Therapeutics Initiative, an Autism.gov navigation portal and an implementation dashboard to track agency progress.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.