OARacle Newsletter

OAR staff members attended the 24th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) in Seattle at the beginning of May. The conference showcased the ongoing and latest scientific studies, elevating the field of autism research through interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, self-advocates, and those who serve the autism community.

Conference presentations, speakers, and discussions emphasized the critical need for continued research across the lifespan to improve care, make it more accessible for autistic individuals and their families, and identify barriers, such as gaps in research and provider training. Discussions throughout the conference highlighted the need to equip professionals with up-to-date research and skills to enhance interventions.

The event convened over 2,300 delegates from more than 50 countries, including leading researchers, clinicians, advocates, and students in the field of autism research. The conference included more than 1,600 poster presentations, 28 oral sessions, 30 panel discussions, and eight special interest groups.

Experts Michael Lombardo, Dora Raymaker, a member of OAR’s Scientific Council, and Karen Adolph delivered keynote presentations. Dr. Joseph Piven received a INSAR Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his substantial and lasting contributions to autism research.

Highlights from INSAR 2025:

• Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, led a panel titled “Expanding Research Opportunities for Individuals with Profound Autism,” addressing the urgent need for a global consensus on defining profound autism. Since the Lancet Commission introduced the term in 2021, varying research definitions have emerged, complicating data comparison and collaboration. The panel reviewed proposed definitions and invited discussion on balancing inclusivity with clarity to serve this highly dependent and underserved population better.
• During the special interest group titled “Bridging Silos: Building Collaborative Efforts for Autism Research in Midlife and Older Age,” led by Gavin Stewart from King’s College London and co-led by Claire Klein, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, participants explored the slowly expanding but fragmented field of autism research focused on midlife and older adulthood. Participants discussed the formation of a global network to support ongoing collaboration and the dissemination of findings, aiming to strengthen and unify research efforts in aging and autism. The session emphasized the need for international coordination, collaboration across cohorts, and the establishment of shared research priorities.
• T.B. (Tim) Ziermans from the University of Amsterdam led a symposium exploring the overlap between autism and schizophrenia. Researchers from different backgrounds shared their brain imaging, cognitive tests, and personal reports to share common traits across both conditions. According to the studies, the findings suggest that focusing on symptoms rather than labels could help identify subgroups with similar challenges and comprehensively support those most impacted by autism and psychosis. Questions from the panel, along with presented findings, imply that continuing research with this approach may lead to more precise and effective treatments for individuals affected by autism, psychosis, or both.