The U.S. has a committee called the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. It’s mandated by law, a law that has been periodically renewed. Most recently as the Autism CARES Act of 2019, public law 116-60. Signed into law on Sept. 30, 2019, nearly a year ago.

I was a member of a previous incarnation of the Iacc. The IACC is limited in what it can do, but there are areas where it is uniquely capable of action. Let’s use the pandemic as an example:

The IACC could bring together experts to share what is known about how the pandemic would affect the autism communities. What strategies work for remote learning for autistic students? What strategies might help for group homes where individuals are unable to get out into the community? What are the medical considerations of a disease like COVID-19 on autistic people?

The IACC brings in experts in each meeting to discuss topics of importance to the community. The topics above and more could be covered. Recommendations and information could be gathered and written into reports and web pages for members of the community to use.

The IACC also recommends research funding strategies. I am 100% certain that there is a lack of information on how the autism communities could best react to the pandemic. Right now is the time to focus research funding into how the pandemic is affecting autistic people and what works and what doesn’t. Because there will be another pandemic.

The last IACC term ended with the sunset of the previous Autism CARES Act, at the end of September in 2019.

In the best of times, there is no reason for the IACC to go through such a long hiatus. These are not the best of times. The IACC would have to meet remotely, but that is no reason to not form a new committee. The best work of the IACC is done outside of the meetings, gathering and reporting on research. We need that now.

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By Matt Carey