Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: Calendar Year 2008

摘要

The dramatic increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past two decades has spurred research into all aspects of the disorders. Researchers are now doing critical work to understand what causes ASD, how it can be effectively treated, and how to improve the lives of those affected. ASD includes a range of developmental disorders that share common features including impaired communication skills and social interactions and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 150 children in the United States has ASD. 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.