Federal Autism Activities: Funding and Coordination Efforts
Abstract
Autisma developmental disorder involving communication and social impairmentis an important public health concern. From fiscal years 2008 through 2012, 12 federal agencies awarded at least $1.4 billion to support autism research and other autism-related activities. The Combating Autism Act directed the IACC to coordinate HHS autism activities and monitor all federal autism activities. It also required the IACC to develop and annually update a strategic plan for autism research. This plan is organized into 7 research areas that contain specific objectives. This statement is based on GAO's November 2013 report, GAO-14-16, with selected updates. It discusses federal autism activities, including (1) the extent to which federal agencies fund potentially duplicative autism research, and (2) the extent to which IACC and agencies coordinate and monitor federal autism activities. GAO analyzed agencies data and documents, and interviewed federal agency officials. GAO recommended in November 2013 that HHS improve IACC data to enhance coordination and monitoring. HHS disagreed and stated its efforts were already adequate. GAO also recommended that DOD, Education, HHS, and NSF improve coordination. The agencies supported improved coordination, but most disputed that duplication occurs. GAO continues to believe the recommendations are warranted and actions needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1173375
Entities
People
- Deirdre Brown
- Drew Long
- Geri Redican-bigott
- Marcia G. Crosse
- Sandra George
- Sarah Resavy
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office