The Independent Autism Coordinating Committee (I-ACC) was created in response to changes to the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which was reorganized by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in January 2026.[1] Kennedy appointed 21 new members of the IACC, many of whom critics say promote opinions and medical approaches unsupported by scientific evidence, including unproven theories about autism being linked to vaccinations.[2] A group of autism scientists and experts created the I-ACC as an independent advisory panel to ensure that US policy is guided by evidence.[1] The I-ACC coordinates research including genetics, environmental factors, diagnosis, treatment, services, and interventions, and plans to report annually on major advances in autism research.[2] I-ACC members include distinguished scientists, including two former directors of the National Institute of Mental Health.[2] The federal IACC canceled its first public meeting scheduled for March 2026 without giving a reason, while the I-ACC met as scheduled.[3]