WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that she has invited 15 individuals to serve as public members on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).

The IACC is a federal advisory committee established by the Combating Autism Act of 2006 and reauthorized by the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011. The committee is composed of both federal officials and public members, and is charged with (1) coordinating all efforts within HHS concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), (2) developing and annually updating a strategic plan for ASD, and (3) providing advice to the Secretary on matters related to ASD.

Membership of the committee includes a wide array of federal agencies involved in ASD research and services, as well as public stakeholders who represent a variety of perspectives from within the autism community. This makeup of the IACC membership is designed to ensure that the committee is equipped to address the wide range of issues and challenges faced by families and individuals affected by autism.

The individuals invited to serve on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee represent people on the autism spectrum, autism advocates, parents, clinicians, and researchers from across the country, Secretary Sebelius said. I look forward to working with the committee members to make a real difference in the lives of people with autism and their families.

The individuals invited to serve on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, subject to prescribed appointment procedures, include:

Idil Abdull

Ms. Idil Abdull is the parent of a son with autism and Co-Founder of the Somali American Autism Foundation. As a Somali-American mother, she has worked to raise awareness about the high prevalence of autism among Somali immigrants living in Minnesota and has helped to change autism policies in the state. She also has a special interest in serving as a voice for underrepresented groups more broadly, including those that are struggling with language, cultural, and economic barriers as they seek ways to help their family members with disabilities. Ms. Abdull holds a bachelors degree in Health Care Administration.

James Ball

Dr. Jim Ball is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) who is the President and CEO of JB Autism Consulting. He has worked in the private sector field of autism for more than 25years, providing educational, employment, and residential services to children and adults affected with autism. He is a Board member of the Autism Society's (AS) Board of Directors and is currently the Chair of the National Board. He received his doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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HHS announces new members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee