Based on recent findings from 2024 and 2025, autism research has focused on genetic discoveries, advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, and a growing emphasis on personalized and inclusive care. 

Key research updates

Genetic discoveries

• Identification of subtypes: A major study published in Nature Genetics identified four biologically distinct autism subtypes by analyzing genetic and phenotypic data from over 5,000 children.

  • This discovery confirms that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of different experiences and underlying biologies.

  • The subtypes differ in their combinations of genetic patterns, behavioral traits, and developmental milestones.

• New autism-associated genes: Researchers have identified numerous new genes potentially linked to an increased risk for autism, such as NAA15 in a Chinese cohort and others related to synaptic function.

• Targeting rare mutations: Clinical trials are showing promising results for gene-targeted therapies for rare, monogenic forms of autism, such as Fragile X and Angelman syndromes. 

Advancements in technology and diagnostics

• AI-powered diagnostics: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to analyze children's behavioral patterns and biomarkers to improve the speed and accessibility of early diagnosis.

• Virtual Reality (VR) interventions: VR tools create safe, immersive environments for autistic individuals to practice social interactions, navigate new spaces, and develop emotional skills.

• Biomarkers: Research is exploring potential biomarkers for autism, including distinct gut microbiota profiles, which may lead to cheaper and faster screening tests.

• Stem cell research: Scientists are using stem cells to grow "mini-brains" (organoids) from autistic individuals to study developmental and genetic differences, observing faster growth rates in organoids from toddlers with autism.

• Brain research in mice: In 2025, Stanford researchers reversed autism-like behaviors in mice by using drugs and neuromodulation to suppress an overactive region in the thalamus. 

Evolving care and societal approach

• Focus on profound autism: For the first time, the CDC monitored the prevalence of profound autism—defined as individuals requiring 24/7 support—highlighting the need for more research and visibility for this group.

• Autistic-led research: A growing movement of research led by autistic individuals is shaping priorities within the field, focusing on topics like mental health, aging, and the importance of neurodiversity.

• Addressing inequities: Research continues to highlight social inequities in autism, with studies indicating that females are diagnosed later than males and that racial disparities in diagnosis persist.

• Refining interventions: Studies in 2024 reaffirmed the effectiveness of early and intensive interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and showed the benefit of parent training programs for caregivers. 

Controversial government announcement

• September 2025 news: In September 2025, multiple news outlets reported on an impending, unverified announcement from the U.S. government regarding a possible link between the common painkiller Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken during pregnancy and autism. This information is widely disputed and goes against established medical guidelines. 

Based on recent findings from 2024 and 2025, autism research has focused on genetic discoveries, advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, and a growing emphasis on personalized and inclusive care. 

Key research updates

Genetic discoveries

• Identification of subtypes: A major study published in Nature Genetics identified four biologically distinct autism subtypes by analyzing genetic and phenotypic data from over 5,000 children.

  • This discovery confirms that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of different experiences and underlying biologies.

  • The subtypes differ in their combinations of genetic patterns, behavioral traits, and developmental milestones.

• New autism-associated genes: Researchers have identified numerous new genes potentially linked to an increased risk for autism, such as NAA15 in a Chinese cohort and others related to synaptic function.

• Targeting rare mutations: Clinical trials are showing promising results for gene-targeted therapies for rare, monogenic forms of autism, such as Fragile X and Angelman syndromes. 

Advancements in technology and diagnostics

• AI-powered diagnostics: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to analyze children's behavioral patterns and biomarkers to improve the speed and accessibility of early diagnosis.

• Virtual Reality (VR) interventions: VR tools create safe, immersive environments for autistic individuals to practice social interactions, navigate new spaces, and develop emotional skills.

• Biomarkers: Research is exploring potential biomarkers for autism, including distinct gut microbiota profiles, which may lead to cheaper and faster screening tests.

• Stem cell research: Scientists are using stem cells to grow "mini-brains" (organoids) from autistic individuals to study developmental and genetic differences, observing faster growth rates in organoids from toddlers with autism.

• Brain research in mice: In 2025, Stanford researchers reversed autism-like behaviors in mice by using drugs and neuromodulation to suppress an overactive region in the thalamus. 

Evolving care and societal approach

• Focus on profound autism: For the first time, the CDC monitored the prevalence of profound autism—defined as individuals requiring 24/7 support—highlighting the need for more research and visibility for this group.

• Autistic-led research: A growing movement of research led by autistic individuals is shaping priorities within the field, focusing on topics like mental health, aging, and the importance of neurodiversity.

• Addressing inequities: Research continues to highlight social inequities in autism, with studies indicating that females are diagnosed later than males and that racial disparities in diagnosis persist.

• Refining interventions: Studies in 2024 reaffirmed the effectiveness of early and intensive interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and showed the benefit of parent training programs for caregivers. 

Controversial government announcement

• September 2025 news: In September 2025, multiple news outlets reported on an impending, unverified announcement from the U.S. government regarding a possible link between the common painkiller Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken during pregnancy and autism. This information is widely disputed and goes against established medical guidelines. 

ICMR guidance on specific autism therapies

The ICMR has taken a clear stance against unproven autism treatments, particularly stem cell therapy.

• Rejection of stem cell therapy: The ICMR's 2021 guidelines state that based on the available scientific evidence, stem cell therapy should not be offered as a standard or routine therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• Focus on ethical research: The ICMR promotes the ethical and scientific conduct of all stem cell research, as detailed in its 2017 National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research. 

Government of India guidelines for disability certification

For official assessment and certification of autism as a disability, the government has specific mandates based on tools and criteria developed in India. 

• Assessment tools: The assessment process for disability certification uses the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), following a clinical diagnosis based on established international criteria like the DSM-5.

• Certification board: A medical board is constituted to certify autism, which includes a pediatrician or neurologist, a clinical or rehabilitation psychologist, and a psychiatrist.

• Legal framework: These guidelines and tools are specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which officially recognizes autism as a disability. 

Other important autism guidelines in India

While not from the ICMR, other prominent medical bodies in India have published important guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ASD.

• Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Consensus Statement (2017):

  • Early intervention: Recommends that intervention should begin as early as possible, even before a definitive diagnosis is made.

  • Multidisciplinary approach: Emphasizes that ASD requires evaluation and management by a multidisciplinary team, including pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists.

  • Evidence-based therapy: Promotes structured, evidence-based interventions focusing on the core symptoms of autism. It explicitly warns against unproven alternative therapies.

• Clinical practice guidelines from the Indian Psychiatric Society (2019):

  • Comprehensive approach: Advocates for a multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment, including behavioral, educational, and pharmacological methods.

  • Validated tools: Recommends the use of standardized diagnostic and screening tools, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), for early identification.

  • Family psycho-education: Highlights the importance of educating families about autism, debunking myths, and providing emotional and social support.