2014 Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases its annual list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The 20 studies selected have given new insight into the underlying biology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and potential risk factors, tested approaches for improving early screening and diagnosis, and evaluated caregiver- and parent-mediated intervention strategies. The advances also examine the economic impacts of ASD, issues related to education and employment for adults with ASD, and ASD prevalence. The "2014 Summary of Advances" provides short, plain language summaries of the top research breakthroughs selected by the IACC from a pool of research articles nominated by the members. Articles are grouped according to the topics represented by the questions of the "IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research": (1) When Should I Be Concerned? (2) How Can I Understand What Is Happening? (3) What Caused This to Happen and Can It Be Prevented? (4) Which Treatments and Interventions Will Help? (5) Where Can I Turn for Services? (6) What Does the Future Hold, Particularly for Adults? and (7) What Other Infrastructure and Surveillance Needs Must Be Met? Citations for the articles selected for the "Summary of Advances," as well as a complete listing of those nominated, are included at the end of the document. [For the 2013 Summary, see ED562024.]