Kennedy names new chair for US autism advisory panel

Fogel, a Harvard Medical School instructor and a parent to an adult child with autism, had worked quickly to propose, and then helped adopt, a sweeping new strategic plan focused on medical care, housing, aging, and other priorities for people with autism and their families.

The IACC under her leadership recommended the government adopt the term "profound autism" for those with high support needs. She took the helm after Kennedy remade the advisory board, filling it with all new members, some of whom have promoted ties between vaccines and autism.

Kennedy said during a meeting that Gaitanis would take over because the committee has traditionally been chaired by one of its 21 federal members, two people with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters. Fogel is one of the committee's 20 outside public members.

He praised the IACC's work so far and Fogel specifically, the two people said, adding that she would be helping Gaitanis with the transition.

"The committee determined that having a federal representative serve as chair will strengthen its focus on implementing the IACC Strategic Plan and coordinating efforts across federal agencies," said Hillard, adding that Fogel would remain on the committee.