Autism Society Statement on New Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Appointments

January, 30, 2026, Rockville, M.D.– On January 28, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a reconstitution of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), appointing 21 new members.

The Autism Society of America worked diligently alongside national Autism organizations to support the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act in 2024, which reestablished the IACC. The IACC has long played an important role in identifying and addressing the diverse and complex needs of the Autism community. We appreciate that the statute is being followed by including Autistic individuals, particularly nonspeaking Autistic people, as well as parents, on the committee. At the same time, we are concerned that the current composition does not include several long-established national Autism organizations that have historically contributed to the committee’s work.

This reconstituted IACC differs from prior committees and reflects a new approach to membership. While a variety of perspectives is represented, there are opportunities to further broaden the range of voices and experiences to more fully reflect the autism community and the perspectives that have traditionally informed IACC discussions. Previous IACCs benefited from a broad mix of lived experience, organizational leadership, academic institutions, and professional backgrounds, which supported thoughtful, informed dialogue on priorities and challenges across the autism community.

Transparency and public engagement have historically been central to the IACC’s work. We are concerned by reports that an orientation was held for new committee members prior to any formal public announcement, without advance notice on the committee’s website or in the Federal Register, as well as reports that some individuals publicly stated they had been selected before the nomination period closed. Joseph Joyce, President and CEO of the Autism Society, noted that these circumstances raise questions about process and transparency, and emphasized the importance of ensuring that future IACC meetings and actions are conducted publicly, with meaningful opportunities for community engagement.

The Autism Society remains committed to working collaboratively with HHS and the IACC to support an advisory body that is balanced, transparent, and inclusive, and that meaningfully represents the full Autism community across the lifespan.

About the Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization, dedicated to creating connections and empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.