Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Appoints John Gaitanis to Lead Autism Committee

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed Dr. John Gaitanis to lead the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) on September 18, 2026. Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist and director of the National Institutes of Health’s child health institute, replaces Dr. Sylvia Fogel, an outside public member who had chaired the panel since January.

Kennedy stated the leadership change was necessary because the committee is traditionally led by a federal member. While Kennedy praised Fogel for her work on a new strategic plan and her recommendations to nearly double federal spending for autism services, Gaitanis brings different perspectives to the role. He has advocated for the use of the drug leucovorin as an autism treatment and believes families should decide whether to vaccinate their children.

The IACC serves as a federal advisory panel that provides non-binding guidance to the government regarding autism-related priorities. The appointment was confirmed by a spokesperson for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.