The Digester

Federal autism advisory overhaul prompts rival committee and community concern

Mar 20th 2026

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reshaped the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, whose first public meeting was canceled on March 7, and a new Independent Autism Coordinating Committee has formed to advise private funders; both moves have drawn scrutiny over membership and research priorities.

  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed an entirely new Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee in late January.
  • The federal committee's first public meeting, planned for March 7, was canceled with no new date announced.
  • The IACC advises on about $2 billion in federal autism research and makes cross-government recommendations affecting housing, education, labor and health.
  • Critics say the reconstituted federal committee includes fewer autistic members and several anti-vaccine advocates who have promoted debunked or dangerous treatments.
  • On March 3, a separate Independent Autism Coordinating Committee was announced to guide private funders toward science-based research.
  • The independent group currently lists one autistic member and includes people who have pushed for a 'profound autism' label, raising concern among autistic advocates.
  • Advocates warn that vaccine-focused or prevention policies could waste resources and harm public health, and independent committee founders say they will seek broader representation and prioritize evidence-based recommendations.

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