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Changing Concepts and Findings on Autism

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Abstract

New research findings provide major challenges regarding our understanding of the concept of autism. These are critically discussed in relation to research relevant to classification, genetics, environmental risk factors, gene-environment interplay, animal models, biomarkers, clinical features, neuropathology, pharmacotherapy, behavioral treatments, and functioning in adult life. It is concluded that, although there have been major research advances; there is a need for a reconceptualization and an avoidance of claims that go beyond the evidence.

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Acknowledgments

Based on a keynote lecture given at the First International Conference on Innovative Technologies and Autism Spectrum Disorders, held in Valencia, July 6–8, 2012.

Conflict of interest

Michael Rutter Chairs the ICD-11 working party dealing with child and adolescent psychopathology.

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  1. MRC Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre (SGDP), Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK

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Rutter, M. Changing Concepts and Findings on Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 1749–1757 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1713-7

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