Autism researchers establish independent committee in response to Kennedy-appointed group

Autism researchers and advocates have launched an independent committee to guide autism research, offering a science-based alternative to recent federal panel changes and aiming to advance evidence-driven discoveries and improved care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

On March 3, 2026, a group of autism researchers and advocacy leaders unveiled the creation of a new, independent committee designed to guide the direction of autism research. The committee aims to offer a scientifically grounded alternative to the U.S. federal government's current approach to autism research, following recent structural changes made to the national advisory panel.

U.S. Health Secretary Restructures Federal Panel

Recently, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restructured the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the federal body that provides advice on autism-related policies. The revamped 21-member committee includes individuals associated with organizations that continue to promote the discredited theory linking vaccines to autism. This stance has been publicly supported by Kennedy for many years.

Response: The Formation of the Independent Autism Coordinating Committee

In reaction to these changes, a new body, the Independent Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC-Independent), has been established. This committee seeks to mirror the structure and objectives of the federal panel, but with a distinct focus on advancing research that prioritizes scientific accuracy and offers improved care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The members of the IACC-Independent include:

• Former members of the federal autism committee
• Directors from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Leading autism scientists
• Advocates for autism research and care

Cooperation with Medical Experts and Vaccine Authorities

Parallel to this initiative, a coalition of medical organizations and vaccine specialists has voiced concerns over the dissemination of misinformation regarding vaccines. These experts stress the importance of relying on evidence-based guidelines when making public health decisions, particularly in regard to autism research and treatment.

The Federal Panel's Purpose and Role

The IACC was initially formed in 2006 to provide non-binding recommendations to the government concerning strategies and funding for autism research. The panel oversees an annual federal research budget of approximately $2 billion. Traditionally, the committee has included:

• Parents of individuals with autism
• Self-advocates with autism
• Research professionals
• Government representatives

Data from recent years suggests that the majority of autism research in the U.S. is funded by the federal government. In contrast, the newly established independent committee intends to focus its efforts on setting research priorities that draw on non-governmental funding sources.

Concerns Over Federal Panel's Direction

Several of the members recently appointed by Kennedy have promoted controversial and widely discredited autism treatments. Notably, these treatments include chelation therapy, which falsely claims to rid the body of heavy metals. Kennedy, known for his staunch anti-vaccine position, has repeatedly linked vaccines to autism and raised questions about their safety. In response to these developments, Alison Singer, the president of the Autism Science Foundation and a member of the independent committee, underscored the need for the new initiative:

"We needed to take real action to ensure continued progress in autism science. It's critical for the non-governmental funders to work together."

Operational Plans for the Independent Committee

The Independent Autism Coordinating Committee plans to align its meeting schedule with that of the federal panel. Its first meeting, set for March 19, 2026, will address concerns regarding the endorsement of non-evidence-based, potentially harmful treatments by certain members of the federally appointed committee. The independent body will prioritize:

• Advancing scientific discovery in autism research
• Improving care and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• Promoting evidence-based guidance for both research and public health policies

By establishing this independent structure, autism researchers and advocates hope to ensure that progress in autism science continues undeterred, while also safeguarding the integrity of autism research from the influence of misinformation and unproven treatments.

Sources:

• Reuters – Autism researchers form independent committee as counter to Kennedy‑appointed group
• The Washington Post – Scientists create autism panel, citing RFK Jr.’s politicization of research
• STAT News – Autism researchers rebuke Kennedy, form independent advisory group
• Autism researchers form independent committee as counter to Kennedy-appointed group