Every February, Autism Speaks' Science Program releases a list of the most important research events to have impacted autism during the previous year. Similar to 2007 (see 2007 Top 10), the hot topics of 2008 were diverse, ranging from basic science discoveries about the molecular basis of autism, to medical and behavioral treatments, to economic research that documents the financial burden faced by families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The events selected also demonstrated that 2008 was not only a year in which autism taught the world, it was one in which we benefited tremendously from discoveries uncovered by researchers working in related areas.

We invite you to read the following pages to learn about the most up-to-date findings in autism research. They contain several surprising results from metabolism, immunology, brain development and treatment research, together with advances in translational research, clinical trials and DNA technology that have all combined to shape the direction of autism research for 2009 and beyond. As always, we hope these discoveries provide hope for families that real progress is being made toward our mission to discover the causes and best treatments for ASD.