Hey there!

2025 has been a significant year for autism research! A major breakthrough is the deepened understanding of autism as a spectrum with diverse needs and experiences across a lifetime.

One key area is sensory processing, as up to 90% of autistic individuals experience sensory difficulties. Researchers are exploring how these differences impact cognitive functions. Also, a consensus research definition for profound autism was introduced at the 2025 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting in Seattle.

The NIH Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI) awarded over $50 million in grants. Priority areas for 2026 include more research on those with higher support needs and age-related health conditions in autistic adults.

You can find more information at Autism Speaks, the Autism Research Institute, and HHS.