Summary of Advances
In Autism Research
2022
The 2022 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 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 2022 provide new insight into social communication and language, early intervention services, and co-occurring conditions across the lifespan. The advances also include studies that investigated telehealth diagnostic interventions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, genetic factors associated in brain development, and updated estimates for the number of children receiving early identification across demographic groups and with or without co-occurring intellectual disability. Articles in the Summary of Advances are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven Questions of the IACC Strategic Plan. 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 IACC supports the use of accessible language around autism in its publications. The terms "person with autism," "person with autism spectrum disorder (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 “ASD” is used when referring specifically to the DSM-5-TR defined diagnosis.
