Search

This "2019-2020 IACC Autism Research Portfolio Analysis Report" presents trends in autism research funding from 2008 to 2020 and alignment of research projects with the primary Objectives of the 2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan, as well as the Cross-Cutting Objective. An analysis of funding for projects that align with the Cross-Cutting Theme on disparities in autism, introduced in the "2017-2018 Portfolio Analysis Report," is also included. To ensure that the portfolio analysis represents the most comprehensive view of the U.S. autism research landscape, the Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) and the IACC regularly review available information about autism research to identify additional funders to partner in this effort. In 2019 and 2020, five federal funders and four private funders, each of which is supporting autism biomedical and services research, were added to the portfolio analysis.

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (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 this document are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven Questions of the "IACC Strategic Plan." Citations for the selected articles as well as a complete listing of those nominated are included at the end of the document.

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) is a federal advisory committee that advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on issues related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was established by the "Children's Health Act of 2000" (Public Law 106-310), reconstituted under the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (CAA; Public Law 109-416), and was most recently renewed under the "Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2019" (Public Law 116-60). One of the statutory responsibilities of the IACC under the CAA and subsequent authorizations is the development of a strategic plan for autism, to be updated annually. The "Autism CARES Act of 2019" requires that the strategic plan address the "conduct of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder research, including as practicable for services and supports." With each update of its "Strategic Plan," the IACC re-evaluates the needs of the autism community and the best ways to achieve progress. The "2021-2023 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Research, Services, and Policy" summarizes current understanding of autism-relevant topics and addresses current gaps and opportunities in autism research, services and supports, and policy. As in previous years, the "IACC Strategic Plan" is organized around seven general topic areas that are represented in the Plan as community-focused Questions. Each question is assigned a chapter in the "Strategic Plan" that provides an Aspirational Goal, or long-term vision for the question; a description of the state of the field; the needs and opportunities in research, services, and policy; and three broad Objectives. In this edition of the "IACC Strategic Plan," the Objectives from the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan" have been updated and renamed as "Recommendations." The 24 total updated Recommendations in this "Strategic Plan," including the new equity Recommendation and the Budget Recommendation, address critical gaps and potential opportunities for advancement that were identified by the IACC. The IACC's goal during the development of this "Plan" is to present a collective voice detailing the current status and future goals of autism research, services, and policy. [For the "Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2018-2019 Update," see ED608308.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (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. [For the 2020 Summary, see ED623991.]

This report provides the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) with comprehensive information about the status of autism research funding among federal agencies and private research organizations in the U.S. This edition of the report features analysis of funding trends in autism research from 2008-2018, the first breakdown of the Lifespan Issues category (Question 6) into subcategories, and an analysis of projects focused on racial and ethnic disparities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. [For the "2016 IACC Autism Spectrum Disorder Research. Portfolio Analysis Report," see ED594157.]

This "2018-2019 Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Strategic Plan Update" is the work of the IACC membership that was appointed under the Autism CARES Act of 2014. The Committee agreed that the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan" reflected a comprehensive review of the state of the field and provided a set of 23 new research, services, and policy-related objectives. Together, the Committee hopes that the "2018-2019 IACC Strategic Plan Update" will provide an insightful overview of the recent efforts in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research, services, and outreach as they relate to the issues and goals described in the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan." The "2018-2019 IACC Strategic Plan Update" includes: (1) a synopsis of presentations and discussions that took place at IACC Full Committee meetings in 2018 and 2019; (2) a recap of the activities of the IACC Working Group focused on improving health outcomes for people on the autism spectrum; (3) a recap of the activities of the IACC Working Group focused on housing issues experienced by people on the autism spectrum and their families; (4) a summary of the "2016 ASD Research Portfolio Analysis Report," which is the first analysis of research activities among federal and private funders as they correspond to the objectives of the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan"; and (5) a synopsis of the "Department of Health and Human Services Report to Congress on Activities Related to Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities Under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) of 2014 (FY 2014-FY 2018)," highlighting recent federal activities related to ASD research and services. [For "2016-2017 Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder," see ED589791.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The "2020 Summary of Advances in Autism Research" 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 2020 have provided new insight into disparities in screening, inheritance patterns of autism, and genes associated with autism and early brain development. The advances also include studies that investigated treatments and early intervention, patterns of health care enrollment and usage, and prevalence differences across demographic groups. Articles in the IACC "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. [For the 2019 Summary, see ED608235.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The "2019 IACC 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 2019 have provided new insight into disparities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses, predictors of language development in preschoolers with ASD, and the impact of various environmental factors on ASD risk. The advances also include studies of behavioral interventions for children with ASD, strategies to train therapists in publicly funded mental health services, supports for transition-age youth and young adults, and ASD prevalence estimates in 4-year-old children. Articles in the "IACC Summary of Advances" are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven questions of the "IACC Strategic Plan for ASD": (1) How can I recognize the signs of ASD, and why is early detection so important?; (2) What is the biology underlying ASD?; (3) What causes ASD, and can disabling aspects of ASD be prevented or preempted?; (4) Which treatments and interventions will help?; (5) What kinds of services and supports are needed to maximize quality of life for people on the autism spectrum?; (6) How can we meet the needs of people with ASD as they progress into and through adulthood?; and (7) How do we continue to build, expand, and enhance the infrastructure system to meet the needs of the ASD community? Citations for the articles selected for the "2019 IACC Summary of Advances," as well as a complete listing of those nominated, are included at the end of the document. [For the 2018 Summary, see ED598984.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The "2018 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 2018 have provided new insight into potential screening tools for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the development of brain regions implicated in ASD symptomatology, and the prevalence of ASD in children. The advances also include studies that analyzed the degree of inclusion of children severely affected by autism in treatment studies, the effect of insurance ASD mandates on health service use, and the manifestation of ASD symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Several of the selected studies compared the genetic variations that contribute to ASD and other psychiatric disorders; studies such as these will help elucidate shared mechanisms underlying these disorders. Articles in the "2018 IACC Summary of Advances" are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven questions of the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan for ASD": (1) How Can I Recognize the Signs of ASD, and Why Is Early Detection so Important?; (2) What Is the Biology Underlying ASD?; (3) What Causes ASD, and Can Disabling Aspects of ASD Be Prevented or Preempted?; (4) Which Treatments and Interventions Will Help?; (5) What Kinds of Services and Supports Are Needed to Maximize Quality of Life for People on the Autism Spectrum?; (6) How Can We Meet the Needs of People with ASD as They Progress into and through Adulthood?; and (7) How Do We Continue to Build, Expand, and Enhance the Infrastructure System to Meet the Needs of the ASD Community? 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.

In 2009, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) produced its first "Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research" (ED509368), providing a framework to guide the efforts of federal and private funders of autism research. The "IACC Strategic Plan," developed with extensive input from a broad array of federal and public stakeholders, organizes research priorities around seven general topic areas represented as community-focused "questions." The questions are divided further into research objectives that address key research needs, gaps, and opportunities identified by the Committee. The "2016 Portfolio Analysis Report" is the first portfolio analysis measuring progress made toward the 22 primary objectives and one cross-cutting objective in the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan" (ED589791). In addition to information on research progress made in 2016, the "2016 IACC ASD Research Portfolio Analysis Report" also provides an analysis of progress that was made over the nine-year period from 2008-2016. To accompany the "IACC 2016 ASD Research Portfolio Analysis Report," detailed federal and private organization project data are available in the Autism Research Database (ARD), a database accessible via the IACC website. This database provides stakeholders with a centralized place from which to gather valuable information about ASD research that can support their efforts to serve the autism community. [For the "2014-2015 IACC Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: Portfolio Analysis Report," see ED589793.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The "2017 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 2017 have provided new insight into potential biomarkers to predict risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental trajectories of children with ASD, and the impact of various prenatal exposures on ASD risk. The advances also include studies that investigated treatments and interventions for both ASD and co-occurring conditions, the impact of policy changes on ASD health care spending, patterns of injury mortality, and prevalence differences across demographic groups. Articles in the "IACC Summary of Advances" are grouped according to the topics represented by the seven questions of the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan for ASD": (1) How Can I Recognize the Signs of ASD, and Why Is Early Detection So Important? (2) What Is the Biology Underlying ASD? (3) What Causes ASD, and Can Disabling Aspects of ASD Be Prevented or Preempted? (4) Which Treatments and Interventions Will Help? (5) What Kinds of Services and Supports Are Needed to Maximize Quality of Life for People on the Autism Spectrum? (6) How Can We Meet the Needs of People with ASD as They Progress into and through Adulthood? and (7) How Do We Continue to Build, Expand, and Enhance the Infrastructure System to Meet the Needs of the ASD Community? 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 2016 Summary, see ED589773.]

In 2009, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) launched its "Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research" (ED509368), providing a framework to guide the efforts of Federal and private funders of autism research. The "IACC Strategic Plan," developed with extensive input from a broad array of Federal and public stakeholders, organizes research priorities around seven general topic areas represented as community-focused "questions." The questions are divided further into research objectives that address key research needs, gaps, and opportunities identified by the Committee. Each objective includes a recommended budget that serves as an estimate of how much the Committee projects it might cost to conduct the research-related activities described. The "IACC Strategic Plan" was updated in 2010 (ED524616) and 2011 (ED524623), leading to a total of 78 objectives on autism research. Following the development of the "IACC Strategic Plan," the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) -- the office within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that manages the activities of the IACC -- began issuing a series of "IACC Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research Portfolio Analysis Reports" to provide the IACC with comprehensive information about the status of autism research funding among Federal agencies and private research organizations in the U.S. The reports align data on individual research-related projects with objectives in the IACC Strategic Plan, providing an accounting of how much funding has gone toward support of projects related to Strategic Plan objectives and highlighting trends. This information has been used to help the IACC in their efforts to monitor ASD research efforts and track progress made each year toward achievement of objectives in the IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research. The "2014-2015 IACC ASD Research Portfolio Analysis Report," in addition to information on progress made toward each of the 78 objectives in the IACC Strategic Plan in 2014 and 2015, also provides an analysis of progress that was made over the eight-year period from 2008-2015.

The 2016-2017 "Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Strategic Plan" is organized around seven general topic areas that are represented in the Plan as community-focused questions (e.g., Question 1, "How can I recognize the signs of ASD, and why is early detection so important?," which covers the topic of screening and diagnosis). Each question is assigned a chapter in the Strategic Plan that provides an Aspirational Goal, or long-term vision for the question, and includes: a description of the state of the field; the needs and opportunities in research, services, and policy; and three to four broad objectives for each question topic. There is also one cross-cutting objective on the topic of ASD in females. For the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan," the Committee agreed that given the recent advances in the autism field, it was an appropriate time to re-evaluate the autism landscape and formulate new objectives for each question. The 23 new objectives in this Plan were created by the Committee to address critical gaps and potential advances they perceived in the current research landscape. Though this "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder" cannot possibly capture all the changes in the ASD field since 2008, the IACC has endeavored to deliver an updated picture of the evolving landscape of autism, as well as a new, broad vision of the current and future challenges and opportunities in autism research, services, and policy. [For the "Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: 2013 Update," see ED562027.]

Each year, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) releases a list of scientific advances that represent significant progress in the field. The 20 studies selected have provided new insight into characteristics of high-risk siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), molecular changes underlying the biology of ASD, and risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. The advances also include studies that examined promising communication interventions, the effects of policy changes on ASD service delivery, health and employment outcomes for adults with ASD, and the latest data on ASD prevalence in the U.S. The "2016 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 2015 Summary, see ED589772.]

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, examined the state of the science in early screening and diagnosis, and evaluated promising early intervention strategies. The advances also address health outcomes for children and adults with autism, and issues related to education, transition to adulthood, and employment. The "2015 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 2014 Summary, see ED589769.]

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.]

The Combating Autism Act (CAA; Public Law 109-416) and the subsequent Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA; Public Law 112-32) established an Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One responsibility of the IACC is the development of a strategic plan for ASD research, to be updated yearly. The IACC Strategic Plan, first issued in 2009, was produced by the IACC, composed of federal officials and public stakeholders, with extensive input from researchers, adults on the autism spectrum, parents, advocates, and the general public that was gathered through a series of meetings and public comment opportunities. This inclusive process ensured that the IACC Strategic Plan reflected diverse perspectives from across the autism community. The IACC Strategic Plan is organized around seven general topic areas that are represented in the plan as consumer-focused Questions (e.g., Question 1, "When should I be concerned?" which covers the topic of screening and diagnosis). Each Question is assigned a chapter that provides a description of the state of the science in that area. Each chapter also contains a section describing the research and community needs for its relevant Question; the aspirational goal, or long term vision, for each area; and a list of specific long- and short-term objectives. The objectives were created by the Committee to address critical gaps and opportunities they perceived in the research landscape in 2009. Each objective also includes a recommended budget that serves as an estimate of how much the Committee projects it might cost to conduct the research-related activities described. Each section contains a list of references. The IACC Strategic Plan was updated in 2010 and 2011, adding several new objectives over these years. In 2012, following the reauthorization of the Committee, the plan was updated with advances and new research opportunities. For the 2013 update of the IACC Strategic Plan, the Committee voted to focus on accountability without adding new objectives or re-writing the previous version. With access to an extensive portfolio analysis conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office for Autism Research Coordination (OARC) linked to every objective, as well as the annual IACC Summary of Advances documents from past years, the IACC reviewed what has been invested in ASD research in the United States since 2008. Using data from both public and private funders, the IACC determined the level of progress for each of the 78 objectives in terms of the number of projects funded and dollars committed to each objective since 2008. To assess the return on this investment, the IACC also invited a group of external experts to evaluate how research has supported progress toward the aspirational goals in each of the seven chapters of the IACC Strategic Plan. This update summarizes both investment and scientific progress across all seven Questions of the IACC Strategic Plan. Most areas have received extensive investment ($1.5 billion expended from 2008-2012 by federal and private funders) and significant progress has been made since the original Plan was published in January, 2009. According to the PubMed database of biomedical research literature, over 11,000 journal articles on autism have been published since January, 2009, more than double the number published in the preceding 5 years. The world of ASD research has changed profoundly during this period, with increases in United States ASD prevalence estimates, changes in ASD diagnostic criteria, greater understanding of co-occurring conditions and services needs, and new insights from genetics, environmental studies, and neuroimaging into the biology and etiology of ASD. In addition to this review of the investment and progress, the Committee and external experts identified current research gaps, needs and barriers, as well as new opportunities created by advances in the field, which can provide direction for future investment. "ASD Research Progress on IACC Strategic Plan Objectives: Summary of Years 2008 to 2012" can be found in the appendix. ["2011 Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research" can be accessed in ERIC at ED524623. For "2010 Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research," see ED524616.]

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 complex causes of autism and potential risk factors, studied clues that could lead to earlier diagnosis, and evaluated promising early intervention strategies. The advances also address the prevalence of ASD both in the United States and internationally, as well as the service needs of people with ASD across the lifespan. The "2013 Summary of Advances" provides short, plain language synopses of the top research breakthroughs selected by the IACC from a pool of peer-reviewed articles nominated by the members. Articles are grouped according to the questions of the "IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research." 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.

In 2010, the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) and Acclaro Research Solutions, Inc., on behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), conducted a comprehensive analysis of the 2009 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research portfolio of major Federal agencies and private organizations. This is the second annual analysis of this nature, following the "2008 IACC Portfolio Analysis Report" released in 2009. The intent of these analyses is to better inform the IACC and interested stakeholders about the funding landscape and current directions for ASD research. Additionally, this analysis examines the extent to which current funding and research topics align with the "2010 IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research". The "2009 Portfolio Analysis" can also be used by Federal agencies and private research organizations to help guide future funding priorities by outlining current gaps and opportunities in ASD research, as well as serving to highlight current activities and research progress. Findings reveal that total funding for ASD research from all participating agencies and organizations increased by 41% between 2008 ($222,215,342) and 2009 ($314,385,374). This is the result of a 65% increase in Federal spending ($93,701,880) and a 2% decrease ($1,531,848) in private funding between 2008 and 2009. NIH-ARRA funds provided a substantial boost to ASD research funding in 2009, but even without ARRA funding, total Federal investment increased 21% from 2008 ($143,724,845) to 2009 ($173,457,733). Of the 995 ASD research projects funded in 2009, $123,574,025 (39%) and 348 (35%) of those projects were newly established. Appended are: (1) ASD Research Progress on "IACC Strategic Plan Objectives"; (2) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Member Roster; and (3) Office of Autism Research Coordination Staff Roster. (Contains 3 tables, 8 figures and 2 footnotes.) [This report was prepared by the Office of Autism Research Coordination and Acclaro Research Solutions, Inc.]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1% of children in the United States and yet many fundamental questions about the biology of ASD, potential risk factors, effective treatments and interventions, and impacts throughout life remain unanswered. Important advances have been made in understanding the complexity of ASD, but additional work is needed to fully understand how biological and external environmental factors contribute to ASD, identify the most effective interventions and services, and improve the quality of life for people with ASD and their families. The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Strategic Plan for ASD Research was created with the intent to accelerate and inspire research that will profoundly improve the health and well-being of every person on the autism spectrum across the lifespan. The Plan provides a blueprint for autism research that is advisory to the Department of Health and Human Services and serves as a basis for partnerships with other agencies and private organizations involved in autism research and services. Under the Combating Autism Act of 2006, it must be updated on an annual basis. To this end, the 2011 Plan has been updated by the IACC to reflect important new scientific advances in the field over the past year, emerging areas of opportunity, and areas where more research is necessary. Input from the ASD community, advocacy groups, research funding organizations, and the scientific community has continued to be a critical aspect of the updating process. The 2011 Plan includes an additional 16 objectives and newly developed addendum sections for each chapter describing what has recently been learned, what gap areas have emerged, and what progress is being made in fulfilling the objectives. [For "2010 Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research," see ED524616.]

As part of the Combating Autism Act of 2006, the members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) are required to develop an annual "Summary of Advances" to describe each year's top advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. These advances represent significant progress in the early diagnosis of ASD, understanding the complex biology of the disorder, and identifying potential risk factors. They may also relate to work identifying effective treatments and services and studies of the national prevalence of ASD and necessary research infrastructure. This 2010 edition of the Summary of Advances provides short, plain language synopses of the top twenty research breakthroughs selected by the committee from a pool of 64 peer-reviewed articles nominated by the members. Articles are grouped according to the questions of the IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research. 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 "Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research, 2009," see ED509370]

In developing the 2010 Strategic Plan for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Research, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) updated the previous Plan to highlight the most pressing research needs and opportunities for the field today. The Plan, which must be annually updated in accordance with the Combating Autism Act (CAA) of 2006, provides a blueprint for autism research that is advisory to the Department of Health and Human Services and serves as a basis for partnerships with other agencies and private organizations involved in autism research and services. The Plan and its revisions were developed through extensive and iterative input from members of the public, academic, and advocacy communities. This 2010 Strategic Plan incorporates this array of input in two main sections. First, the foundation of the Plan--vision, mission, core values, and crosscutting themes--is described. The remainder of the Plan is organized around seven critical questions asked by people and families living with ASD. These questions are: (1) When should I be concerned?; (2) How can I understand what is happening?; (3) What caused this to happen and can this 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? Each question is followed by a brief discussion of what individuals currently know and need from research, an aspirational goal, research opportunities and objectives. This framework was chosen by the IACC to emphasize the need for consumer-focused research that addresses the most pressing questions of people and families living with ASD, and to link these questions to specific research efforts. [For "2009 Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research," see ED509368.]

In response to the alarming growth in autism diagnoses, Congress passed the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-416), which established the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) to coordinate all efforts within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services related to ASD. The Combating Autism Act requires that, in addition to several other key responsibilities, the IACC must prepare an annual summary of advances in autism research. The 2008 IACC Summary of Advances highlights 37 significant studies on autism spectrum disorder selected by members of the IACC. A bulleted overview of the major findings in 2008 is followed by a more detailed description of the scientific breakthroughs in each category. Information about funding sources and journal impact factor scores is included in a table at the end of the document. This year's advances are sorted into six topic areas that correspond to six critical questions for those affected by ASD: (1) Diagnosis: When should I be concerned?; (2) Biology: How can I understand what is happening?; (3) Risk Factors: What caused this to happen and can this be prevented?; (4) Treatment: Which treatments and interventions will help?; (5) Services: Where can I turn for services?; and (6) Outcomes: What does the future hold? (Contains 54 footnotes.)

Each year the members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee identify recent research findings that made the most impact on the field. For the 2009 Summary of Advances, the IACC selected and summarized 20 studies that gave significant insight into the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the biology of the disorder, potential risk factors, and possible interventions. These articles were the top selections from a pool of 63 peer-reviewed articles published in 2009 that were nominated by the committee to reflect the most important work in biomedical and services research for ASD during the year--work that is critical to understanding the disorder and addressing the needs of people with ASD and their families. Articles appear in alphabetical order by first author. A full reference list is included at the end of the document.