Summary of Advances
In Autism Research
2021
The 2021 IACC Summary of Advances in Autism Research
Each year, the IACC releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field of autism research. The 2021 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. The 20 studies selected for 2021 have provided new insight into disparities in screening, medication use in autism, and the biology associated with communication outcomes. The advances also include studies that investigated early interventions and family navigation, service needs across the lifespan, and updated prevalence estimates across demographic groups. Articles in the Summary of Advances are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven Questions of the 2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan for ASD. 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.
Editorial Note on References to Autism: The terms "person with autism," "person with ASD," "autistic person," and "person on the autism spectrum" are used interchangeably throughout this document. Some members of the autism community prefer one term, while others prefer another. The Committee respects the different opinions within the community on the use of this language and does not intend to endorse any particular preference. In addition, the term "autism" is generally used in this document, and "autism spectrum disorder (ASD)" is used when referring specifically to the DSM defined diagnosis.
