Lee Grossman of Honolulu, president of the Autism Society of America, was recently appointed to a newly created Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Autism Society leader
takes wider roleA local businessman will help
coordinate U.S. research effortsStar-Bulletin staff
Established by the Children's Health Act of 2000, the committee is charged with coordinating autism research and other efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies. The National Institute of Mental Health is the lead agency for the committee.
The committee's mission is to facilitate effective exchange of information on autism activities among member agencies, coordinate autism-related activities and help to increase public understanding of programs, policies and research in that area.
The Children's Health Act of 2000 mandates that parents or legal guardians of persons with autism or similar debilitating neurological disabilities be appointed to the committee to express concerns and interests of members of the autism community.
Robert L. Beck, executive director of the Autism Society of America, said Grossman, parent of a child who has autism, is an ideal choice for the committee.
"Lee has been able to balance his business leadership background with years of experience in all facets of the autism community to be a voice of reason," Beck said, adding that his first priority "has always been what's best for the autism community."
Grossman received the Inspiration Award last month from the New York Families of Autistic Children, one of the largest private autism service providers in the state of New York.