Scientists Create Autism Panel to Counter Politicization of Legitimate Research

A group of prominent scientists launched an independent autism advisory panel Tuesday over fears that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has politicized the key federal autism advisory board he oversees.

The shadow committee will focus on developing a coordinated scientific agenda for autism research and will function as a counterweight to the advisory board Kennedy reshaped in January by appointing new members. Many of those members have echoed his controversial views, including promoting debunked claims linking vaccines to autism and advocating for unproven treatments.

The new independent group will do more than speak out against misinformation, Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation and member of the group, said in a statement Tuesday. The group will create a research agenda that reflects the progress and promise of autism science and report annually on key research advances, including basic research on genes and cells, environmental causes, early detection, therapeutics and services.

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