Dr. John Gaitanis Appointed to Lead Autism Advisory Panel

Dr. John Gaitanis has been appointed to lead the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), a federal advisory panel focused on autism-related priorities in the United States. His appointment by U.S.

Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. took effect on September 18, replacing Dr. Sylvia Fogel, who chaired the committee since January. Gaitanis is also the newly appointed director of the National Institutes of Health’s child health institute and previously served as director of child neurology at Brown University.

The appointment aims to strengthen the committee's focus on implementing its strategic plan and improving coordination among federal agencies. Under Fogel’s leadership, the IACC developed a strategic plan addressing various priorities for individuals with autism and recommended increased federal funding for autism-related research.

Gaitanis has publicly supported parental choice regarding vaccinations and has served as a paid medical expert in vaccine-injury cases. Fogel will remain a committee member to assist with the transition.