News and Knowledge

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Autism Research is seeking public input to help the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) identify priorities for the 2021-22 update of the IACC’s Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as required by the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act of 2019.

The IACC is requesting public comments on research, services, and policy issues related to the seven topics addressed by the IACC Strategic Plan:

1. Screening and diagnosis: How can I recognize the signs of ASD, and why is early detection so important?
2. Biology: What Is the biology underlying ASD?
3. Risk factors: What causes ASD, and can disabling aspects of ASD be prevented or pre-empted?
4. Treatments and interventions: Which treatments and interventions will help?
5. Services: What kinds of services and supports are needed to maximize quality of life for people on the autism spectrum?
6. Lifespan issues: How can we meet the needs of people with ASD as they progress into and through adulthood?
7. Infrastructure and surveillance: How do we continue to build, expand, and enhance the infrastructure system to meet the needs of the ASD community?

The Committee also seeks public comment related to these questions:

• 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?

The public comment period opened on October 1, 2021 and will close on November 30, 2021. All comments must be submitted electronically via the web-based form.