NIH Autism Coordinating Committee
What is the NIH/ACC?
In 1997, at the request of Congress, the NIH formed its Autism Coordinating Committee (NIH/ACC) to enhance the quality, pace and coordination of efforts at the NIH to find a cure for autism. Since then, the NIH/ACC has been instrumental in the research into, understanding of, and advances in autism.
Who is involved in the NIH/ACC?
The following NIH Institutes are members of the NIH/ACC:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
In addition, representatives from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) participate in NIH/ACC meetings.
The NIH/ACC is also integrally involved in the broader Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) that is composed of representatives from various component agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other governmental organizations including the CDC and Department of Education. The committee is chaired by the Director of NIMH or his designee.
What is the NIH/ACC doing to learn more about autism?
NIH funds 11 Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE). These center projects represent just a part of all autism research at NIH. Additional details about autism research funding can be found at:
- 2007 and 2008 Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE)
- Children's Environmental Health Centers (NIEHS)
