3 Future directions for autism research

In Week 1 it was argued that some of the most reliable information about autism comes from properly conducted research studies. But what questions should such research focus upon? In the last few decades, funding agencies have injected huge sums of money into research into explaining autism, including psychological, neurobiological and genetic factors. But many, especially those in the autism community and their carers, believe that other issues impinge more directly on their lives and well-being, and should take higher priority in terms of funding.