Notice2023-28425
Request for Public Comments on Co-Occurring Conditions in Autism
Primary source
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Published
December 26, 2023
Issuing agencies
Health and Human Services DepartmentNational Institutes of Health
Abstract
On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) is seeking public comments to assist the IACC in identifying priorities related to physical and mental health conditions, and other related conditions that commonly co-occur with autism. The IACC is requesting public comments on the impact of these co-occurring conditions, as well as research, services, and policy needs that may be helpful to consider in addressing issues related to these conditions.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 88931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28425]
[[Page 88931]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Request for Public Comments on Co-Occurring Conditions in Autism
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS.
ACTION: Request for Information.
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SUMMARY: On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
(IACC), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of
National Autism Coordination (ONAC) is seeking public comments to
assist the IACC in identifying priorities related to physical and
mental health conditions, and other related conditions that commonly
co-occur with autism. The IACC is requesting public comments on the
impact of these co-occurring conditions, as well as research, services,
and policy needs that may be helpful to consider in addressing issues
related to these conditions.
DATES: Responses to this notice are voluntary and the public comment
period will be open from January 3, 2024, through February 14, 2024.
ADDRESSES: All comments must be submitted electronically via the web-
based form at: <a href="https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/2023/co-occurring-conditions.shtml">https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/2023/co-occurring-conditions.shtml</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specific questions about this Request
for Public Comment should be directed to: Ana Cappuccio by phone at
301-402-4837 or email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bad3dbd9d9cacfd8d6d3d9d3d4cbcfd3c8d3dfc9fad7dbd3d694d4d3d294ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0d9d1d3d3c0c5d2dcd9d3d9dec1c5d9c2d9d5c3f0ddd1d9dc9eded9d89ed7dfc6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IACC <a href="http://www.iacc.hhs.gov/">http://www.iacc.hhs.gov/</a> is a
federal advisory committee composed of federal and public members that
provides advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on autism
spectrum disorder. The Committee is authorized under the Autism CARES
Act of 2019, Public Law 116-60. The 2021-2023 IACC Strategic Plan for
Autism Research, Services, and Policy at <a href="https://iacc.hhs.gov/publications/strategic-plan/2023/">https://iacc.hhs.gov/publications/strategic-plan/2023/</a> provides an overview of priorities
identified by the IACC to improve health and well-being for autistic
individuals and their families.
The Committee seeks public comment on the following questions
related to the impact of co-occurring physical and mental health
conditions:
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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?
4. What additional research is needed to help address co-occurring
conditions for autistic people?
5. 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)
6. What lasting impact has COVID-19 infection and illness had on
co-occurring physical and/or mental health conditions for autistic
people?
7. 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)
Feedback provided in this RFI may be used by the IACC to inform
future activities and reports.
Submission Information: For each topic/question in the Request for
Public Comment, commenters may provide input on what they consider to
be the most important research, services, and policy issues and
remaining gaps in the subject area covered by that question.
Please note that the web form will accept a maximum of 1,500
characters (including letters, numbers, punctuation, etc.) per topic
area. A valid email address is required for submission, and only one
submission per email address will be accepted. If duplicate submissions
are received (i.e., form letters), only one example of such a
submission will be included in the final set of comments.
The information that commenters provide will become part of the
public record; as such, please do not include any personally
identifiable or confidential information in the comments. The web form
will provide the option of submitting responses anonymously, or the
choice to include a name and/or organization associated with the
comment.
Comments are subject to redaction in accordance with federal
policies and the IACC's public comment guidelines and privacy policy.
To view the IACC's public comment guidelines and privacy policy, visit:
<a href="https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/guidelines/">https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/guidelines/</a>. All comments
or summaries of comments received will be made publicly available on
the IACC website <a href="http://www.iacc.hhs.gov">www.iacc.hhs.gov</a> within 90 days of the closing
deadline for this notice. Email addresses associated with comments will
not be included as part of the public disclosure. After the closing
deadline, responses cannot be edited or withdrawn. No basis for claims
against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to
this request for information or from the Government's use of such
information.
Instructions: All comments must be submitted through the web form
at <a href="https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/2023/co-occurring-conditions.shtml">https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/2023/co-occurring-conditions.shtml</a>. Individuals submitting
comments will receive an onscreen confirmation acknowledging receipt of
the comment, but commenters will not receive individualized responses
or feedback from the IACC or ONAC except in the cases of requests for
technical assistance with the web form, etc. Only one comment per email
address will be accepted, and if duplicate comments are received, only
one example will be provided to the IACC.
Dated: December 20, 2023.
Susan A. Daniels,
Director, Office of National Autism Coordination, National Institute of
Mental Health.
[FR Doc. 2023-28425 Filed 12-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
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