Independent Committee Challenges U.S. Autism Panel

A coalition of autism researchers and advocacy leaders announced the formation of a new independent committee designed to direct the future of autism research and combat misinformation, potentially providing an alternative to the current U.S. Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently revamped the federal panel responsible for guiding the nation's autism policy, introducing members linked to vaccine-autism conspiracy theories. The Independent Autism Coordinating Committee, as it's named, is stepping in to ensure research focuses on scientific evidence and improvement of care for those with autism spectrum disorder.

The group consists of former federal committee members, National Institutes of Health directors, and prominent autism scientists and advocates. By formulating a strategic plan, they aim to address the resurgence of ineffective and dangerous autism treatments endorsed by some in the revamped federal group.