Join the Conversation: Your Insights Can Shape Autism Research and Services
Hello community! I have some exciting news to share, especially for those of you in the autism community or those who work closely with individuals on the autism spectrum. The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC), is asking for public input on a very important topic: co-occurring physical and mental health conditions in autistic individuals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to contribute to the conversation and help shape the future of autism research, services, and policies. Your unique experiences and insights can significantly influence the direction of these critical initiatives. So, let’s dive into the details!
Why Your Voice Matters
Autism is a spectrum, which means every autistic individual’s experience is unique. Some may face additional physical health challenges like sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal disorders, or epilepsy. Others might also experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or self-injurious behavior.
Moreover, other conditions like learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and communication disabilities often co-occur with autism. These co-occurring conditions can significantly impact an individual’s life, presenting challenges that extend beyond those typically associated with autism.
Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective research strategies, services, and policies to improve the health and well-being of autistic individuals and their families. That’s where you come in! The IACC is seeking public input to better understand the impact of these co-occurring conditions and identify areas where more research, services, and policy changes are needed.
How COVID-19 Factors In
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant societal changes that have affected us all. For autistic individuals, these changes may have had unique impacts on their physical and mental health. For many people, it highlighted difficulties in new ways. The IACC is particularly interested in hearing your insights on how COVID-19 infection and related societal changes have impacted co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals.
How to Participate
Participation is easy and accessible. All you need to do is submit your comments electronically via a web-based form on the IACC’s website between January 3, 2024, and February 14, 2024. You can provide input on what you consider the most important research, services, and policy issues related to co-occurring conditions in autism. The direct link is: https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/2023/co-occurring-conditions.shtml.
The specific questions they are requesting insight on are as follows:
- What are the most significant challenges caused by co-occurring physical health conditions in autistic people? (Examples of co-occurring physical health conditions: gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, epilepsy, sensory and motor challenges)
- What are the most significant challenges caused by co-occurring mental health conditions in autistic people? (Examples of mental health co-occurring conditions: depression, anxiety, aggressive or self-injurious behavior, suicidality)
- What are the most significant challenges caused by other conditions that co-occur with autism, such as learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and communication disabilities?
- What additional research is needed to help address co-occurring conditions for autistic people?
- What could be improved in autism services and supports to help address co-occurring conditions for autistic people? (Examples: Equitable access to and accessibility of services, insurance coverage, service systems issues, patient-provider interactions)
- What lasting impact has COVID–19 infection and illness had on co-occurring physical and/or mental health conditions for autistic people?
- What lasting positive or negative impacts have societal changes due to the COVID–19 pandemic had on physical or mental health for autistic people? (Examples of societal changes: disruptions in services, increased remote work and school, increased use of telehealth, reduced in-person social interactions and obligations)
Remember, your insights can make a significant difference. You can help identify the most significant challenges caused by co-occurring physical and mental health conditions in autistic people. You can suggest areas where additional research is needed. You can also share your thoughts on how autism services and supports can be improved to address these co-occurring conditions.
Your Privacy Matters
Your privacy is important. The information you provide will become part of the public record, but you can choose to submit your responses anonymously. You can also opt to include your name and/or organization associated with the comment. Your email address will not be included in the public disclosure, but they only accept one submission per email address. All comments are subject to redaction in accordance with federal policies and the IACC’s public comment guidelines and privacy policy.
Let’s Make a Difference Together!
This is an incredible opportunity for us to come together as a community and help shape the future of autism research, services, and policies. Your insights and experiences are invaluable. By sharing them with the IACC, you can help ensure that the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families are recognized and addressed.
Let’s seize this opportunity to make a difference. Let’s ensure that the diverse voices of the autism community are heard. Let’s work together to create a future where every autistic individual has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Remember, the deadline for submission is February 14, 2024. So, don’t delay! Share your insights today and help shape a better tomorrow for the autism community.
Dr. Jessica Myszak and Dr. Jaime Long have significant experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. They offer both in-person and telehealth evaluations for children, teens, and adults looking for answers. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, they are able to work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming! Dr. Long is also now available to see clients in New York and California. If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with them, you can visit their website here to get the process started.