Those researchers who work in close consultation with, and call on the expertise of, those of us living on the autism spectrum, in areas of development, interpretation, implementation, and evaluation, are the researchers who will be most likely to make advances that will directly impact the lives of autistic...

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The use of the term, and concept of “severity,” is questionable for several reasons. First, “severity” is often contextual, over both time and other things like situation and location. What is being looked at when using the “severity” criterion is how “observable” the autistic characteristic is. Whether or not...

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Information about Services Needed: Research into causes, biomarkers, prevention, etc. will not help people who are alive today and need evidence-based information about services and supports. Recent research and initiatives in the United Kingdom can provide a model for services-oriented research and also research into adult issues....

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Since communication difficulties are experienced by many, if not most, people on the autism spectrum, funding research in this area should be a high priority. Advances in communication technology, and the development of AAC options that are affordable, will have a practical application to the...

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Shift in Focus Recommended: Research should address the domains measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument. The research agenda should respect the wishes of autistic individuals and their families, many of whom have written in response to Requests for Information....

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Causation and Cure Focus Excessive: These priorities are out of step with the needs and desires of the autistic community. In the year 2008, only approximately 1% of the NIMH autism research budget was allocated to services research....

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