Until you’re the parent of a child on the spectrum, it’s hard to wrap your mind around what services, programs and resources are really needed in the autism community. And now is your opportunity to share your perspective with federal decision-makers. From October 1–November 30, 2021, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) is asking for public comment on key questions related to everything from risk factors and screening to treatments and quality of life.
The committee includes government officials as well as members of the public; its mission is to advise the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as coordinate federal autism actions. The input gathered through the current online survey will inform changes to the Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The questions you may provide your comment on include:
- How can I recognize the signs of ASD, and why is early detection so important?
- What is the biology underlying ASD?
- What causes ASD, and can disabling aspects of ASD be prevented or preempted?
- Which treatments and interventions will help?
- What kinds of services and supports are needed to maximize quality of life for people on the autism spectrum?
- How can we meet the needs of people with ASD as they progress into and through adulthood?
- How do we continue to build, expand, and enhance the infrastructure system to meet the needs of the ASD community?
- What are important issues for the IACC to consider with regard to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the autism community?
- What are important issues for the IACC to consider with regard to the needs of underserved populations within the autism community, including racial and ethnic minorities, economically disadvantaged communities, and rural populations?
To give your opinion and answer any or all of the above questions, visit the committee website and read “How to Comment” for instructions. All stakeholders are invited to participate, so if your child has a developmental pediatrician, therapist or other provider whose insight you value, be sure to provide your comments and share this link with others to help the committee update the plan.
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