COCWD Autism Subcommittee

The Council on Children with Disabilities Autism Subcommittee provides evidence-based guidance specific to caring for children and youth on the autism spectrum and facilitates the translation of same into education, practice, policy and advocacy for pediatricians, caregivers, and the public.

Objectives of the Autism Subcommittee include the following:

• Provide evidence-based guidance to primary care pediatric clinicians on screening, diagnosis, and management of children and youth on the autism spectrum.
• Develop educational initiatives that build capacity among primary care clinicians to diagnose and care for children and youth on the autism spectrum.
• Increase awareness of evidence-based autism guidance and recommendations for families/caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum and autistic youth.
• Provide guidance and direction for policy and advocacy initiatives that promote and support recommendations outlined in AAP autism publications.
• Promote equity and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families/caregivers through increased awareness/understanding of neurodiversity and anti-ableism.