In a bold move that’s raising eyebrows across the autism research community, a new committee has emerged, throwing shade on the recently revamped Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). This committee, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on January 28, 2026, is a complete overhaul, with 21 new public members handpicked to advise HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on autism priorities. No overlap with previous members? Check. They’re aiming for a fresh start, but critics are already pointing fingers.
The new lineup includes a mix of physicians, parents of children with autism, self-advocates, and even a high school student who identifies as autistic. Sounds diverse, right? But some members have questionable beliefs, like the debunked vaccine-autism link. Yep, anti-vaccine activists have made the cut, along with some who were involved in Kennedy’s 2024 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, mainstream organizations like Autism Speaks and the Simons Foundation are mysteriously absent. Coincidence? Probably not.
A newly formed committee claims diversity, yet includes anti-vaccine activists while sidelining major organizations. Coincidence? Hardly.
Scientists have been quick to voice their concerns. Many new appointees have minimal scientific expertise. It’s like a committee for a science fair where the judges don’t even know how to use a microscope. Additionally, the new committee’s membership tilts towards advocacy rather than scientific research, raising alarms about the future of autism studies. This shift reflects a notable lack of federal government representation in the committee structure, further complicating the landscape.
David Amaral, a former member, pointed out the lack of balance and representation from established scientists and self-advocates. Joshua Gordon, the former NIMH director, couldn’t help but worry about this ideological stacking.
Advocacy groups haven’t held back either. The Autism Science Foundation slammed the committee as hijacked by a narrow agenda that sidelines real science.
Alison Singer, ASF President, criticized the cherry-picking of members. Sure, the inclusion of autistic individuals is a plus, but the exclusion of reputable organizations is a glaring red flag.
Kennedy’s focus is on finding the root causes of autism, and he’s got his own theories—like environmental toxins causing an “epidemic.” In his world, genetics don’t cause anything.
As the IACC tries to navigate this messy landscape, one thing’s clear: the autism community is in for a rocky ride.
