09/21/2026
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis as the new chair of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), replacing Dr. Sylvia Fogel. Gaitanis, who recently became director of the NIH’s child health institute, will lead the federal advisory committee as it works on autism-related research, healthcare, housing, ageing, and support priorities.
The leadership change comes after Fogel helped develop a new strategic plan and remained on the committee to assist with the transition. The IACC provides non-binding recommendations to the US government on autism policy and research.
Gaitanis has publicly supported further research into leucovorin as an autism treatment and has served as a paid medical expert in vaccine-injury cases. His appointment comes amid continuing debate over autism research, vaccines and treatment approaches.