On January 28, 2026, the composition of the U.S. Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) underwent a fundamental change. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., introduced 21 new members to the committee. Notably, none of the representatives from the previous expert group are among them. This change is particularly significant considering that the IACC manages 2 billion dollars annually earmarked for autism research, services, and support.
Leading scientists and clinicians fear that this decision will significantly hinder scientific progress. There is a danger that funding may be redirected toward unproven and potentially harmful therapies. Currently, autism is diagnosed in every 36th child in the United States. Parallel to improvements in diagnostics and awareness, the rate of detected cases is constantly increasing. Consequently, such a reorganization of the committee poses a serious threat to research into the causes of autism and the implementation of modern treatment methods.
Functions of the IACC and Reasons for Distrust in Scientific Circles
The IACC connects federal public officials and community groups. This agency establishes the national autism strategy, research priorities, and support plans. Kennedy described the renewal of the committee as an attempt to move autism research into the 21st century. However, the complete replacement of experienced experts threatens the continuity of scientific work.
Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, strictly condemned this step. According to her statement, the committee’s composition was completely changed without consideration of scientific competence. She also noted that new members were selected not to achieve a broad consensus, but to reinforce predetermined conclusions.
New Members Share Scientifically Rejected Theories
Experts see alarming signs in the activities of the committee’s new composition. Many new members support scientifically rejected hypotheses regarding autism. Kennedy has long linked the rise in disease cases to “environmental toxins.” However, specialists in the field explain that the statistical growth is driven by improved screening, increased public awareness, and expanded services.
In September 2025, Kennedy and Trump cited the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy as a cause of autism. Scientific evidence does not support this claim. The etiology of autism represents a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and other biological factors. Regarding the link to vaccines, this hypothesis has been thoroughly rejected by numerous studies conducted over decades.
New committee member Ginger Taylor disseminates unsubstantiated materials on social networks regarding the link between vaccines and autism. Furthermore, an article by Toby Rogers, which also concerned the influence of toxins, was removed from scientific databases due to methodological flaws and conflicts of interest.
Risks for Individuals with Autism
The disruption of the balance of interests within the committee creates serious problems. There is a danger that scientific resources will be spent on researching ineffective hypotheses. Helen Tager-Flusberg, a professor at Boston University, fears that funding will be redirected toward non-evidence-based and potentially harmful methods.
The Autism Science Foundation stated that the advisory panel has fallen under the influence of a narrow ideological group. Existing legislation requires that the committee oversee scientific progress in the fields of research, prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and intervention. In light of the current changes, well-founded doubts arise regarding the proper fulfillment of this function.
Expert Warnings
Clinicians with experience working with thousands of patients confirm that early intervention and behavioral therapy demonstrate high effectiveness. The increase in autism cases requires operational and scientifically substantiated action; however, spending resources on scientifically rejected versions halts progress. For the families of individuals with autism, the priority should not be the dissemination of fear-based narratives, but the provision of information reinforced by scientific facts.
Source: Autism Science Foundation; Medscape
