INSAR Public Statements

INSAR Statement on Recent Discussions of Tylenol and Leucovorin

September 25, 2025

As a global autism research society, we are concerned about recent public statements suggesting the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy causes autism and that leucovorin (folinic acid) is a helpful treatment for autism. Such unproven claims have the potential to cause harm for autistic persons, their families, and society at large. We stand firmly with our community and with science.

The central mission of INSAR is to promote and disseminate the highest quality autism research globally. Our values emphasize objectivity, scientific rigor, open communication, and respect for diversity across the autism spectrum. We recognize autism as a complex, heterogeneous condition with genetic vulnerabilities playing a major role alongside a more limited role for environmental factors. Researchers affiliated with INSAR are striving every day to gain a better understanding of autism, its causes, and importantly, how best to support autistic persons and their families across the lifespan.

Currently, the scientific evidence does not support changes to clinical guidelines on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, nor does it establish leucovorin as an effective treatment for autism. As emphasized by leading professional and medical organizations, associations between acetaminophen and autism are not causal, and evidence regarding the benefits of leucovorin remain preliminary at best. 

INSAR reaffirms its commitment to:

• ●Quality Research: Promoting rigorous, high-quality studies that build on prior evidence.
• ●Sharing Research: Disseminating autism science openly to all stakeholders.
• ●Equitable Participation: Ensuring global representation and inclusion in autism research.

We hope to encourage open, respectful, and evidence-driven dialogue. INSAR will continue to foster interdisciplinary and translational research that advances our understanding of autism and supports the best possible care and outcomes for autistic people and their families worldwide.

References

Diana Schendel Named Editor-in-Chief of Autism Research

September 2, 2025

The New York, NY — The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Diana Schendel of Drexel University as the new Editor-in-Chief of Autism Research, the society’s flagship scientific journal. Dr. Schendel will assume the role beginning January 1, 2026.

A renowned epidemiologist and global leader in autism research, Dr. Schendel brings more than 20 years of experience in the field. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, and public health implications of autism spectrum disorder. She currently serves as Professor and Leader of the Modifiable Factors in Autism Epidemiology Research Program at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel, and has served as an associate editor of Autism Research for three years. She also served as INSAR’s Treasurer and a member of its board of directors for four years.

Dr. Schendel succeeds Dr. David Amaral, who served as Editor-in-Chief for the past 11 years. Under his leadership, Autism Research strengthened its reputation for scientific excellence and impact, becoming a vital platform for cutting-edge research on autism across disciplines.

“Diana Schendel is an outstanding scientist and a deeply respected leader in the autism research community,” said INSAR President Dr. Brian Boyd. “Her broad expertise, commitment to scientific rigor, and collaborative vision make her uniquely suited to lead Autism Research into its next chapter.”

As Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Schendel will oversee the journal’s editorial strategy, peer review process, and continued commitment to publishing high-quality, impactful research from around the world. She will also serve as an ex-officio member of the INSAR Board of Directors.

“I am honored to take on this role at a time of exciting scientific advances and increasing diversity in autism research partnerships, including participants and community members,” said Dr. Schendel. “I look forward to working with the editorial board, authors, and reviewers to continue building a journal that supports and disseminates rigorous science across the globe, serves the full research pipeline from discovery to practice, is a partner in autism researcher training, and serves the needs of the autism community.”

Autism Research is published by Wiley and is the official journal of INSAR.

Contact: International Society for Autism Research www.autism-insar.org

Using the best science to build a good life for all autistic people and their families around the globe

April 2025

The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) is preparing for its annual meeting that will take place in Seattle, WA, USA from 30 April – 3 May 2025. More than 2,200 autism researchers from over 50 countries will come together to present and discuss their research on autism. The central mission of INSAR is to promote and disseminate the highest quality of autism research globally. To achieve this goal, we advocate for established best practices in the conduct of science including objectivity and scientific rigor, for critical and balanced evaluation, open communication and respectful debate, and for inclusion of globally representative communities in autism research.

As a large and international research society, we know that all autistic people are different and that the needs and desires of people who live with autism around the globe are also different. High quality research, much of it conducted by INSAR members, has found ~200 genes linked to autism, identified brain signatures related to autism, and developed an evidence-base for support and interventions to empower autistic people to lead fulfilling lives. We believe that referring to autism as a ‘preventable disease’ is out of touch with contemporary, evidence-based understanding of autism. Based on current autism research, we know that there are many causes of autism and virtually all of these occur prenatally – in other words you are born with autism.

We recognize autism as a complex, highly heterogeneous condition with many outcomes. Some autistic individuals complete college education, are employed, in relationships, and lead independent lives; others may need lifelong care and support. INSAR therefore also values research on the wide range of potential supports and interventions for autism. Support and intervention could focus on the individual, the family, educational and occupational environments, and society-at-large. Support may include public awareness, education, and accommodations. It may include intervention for the conditions that co-occur with autism. It may include help to individuals to learn and communicate better, and it may include strategies to improve the wellbeing of families in their local communities.

As we come together for INSAR 2025 in Seattle, WA, USA, the INSAR Board wishes to reaffirm our strategic pillars. We call for open and robust research of the highest quality that takes into account all previous high-quality research (‘quality research’). We call for communication and dissemination of autism research to all stakeholders (‘sharing research’) openly and freely. We require lifelong maintenance and sharing of high-quality data relevant to autism. We call for ‘equitable participation in research’ that will empower all communities around the globe. By maintaining a clear focus on rigorous autism science across disciplines worldwide, and by guarding against oversimplistic and reductionist views of autism and its related conditions, autism research can support a good life for all autistic people and their families around the globe.

INSAR Consensus Statement on the Situation in the Middle East

November 2023

The INSAR Board unequivocally condemns the attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 and is deeply distressed by the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in the region since then. As an international autism research organization, we are troubled by all armed conflicts around the world, which often affect autistic people disproportionately. We advocate for a good life for all autistic people and their families around the world; a world where they can live without fear of violence or discrimination.

The Board has also reflected on the rationale for and purpose of formal statements made by INSAR. The Board notes that, as an increasingly global research society, simple statements are often insufficient to encapsulate the range of perspectives our members may have on world affairs. The current INSAR Board has therefore made the decision, notwithstanding statements in the past, not to comment on geopolitical events in future.

Call for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine 

March 16, 2022

Translated Statement: Ukrainian |  Russian |  Polish 

In response to recurring conditions across the globe, INSAR stands with all people who need to escape oppressive conditions.  We are concerned with families and children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities who are often at greatest risk of endangerment, and this concerns those from all regions of the world.  We are concerned with families and children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities who are often at greatest risk of endangerment, and this concerns those from all regions of the world.

Currently, the massive humanitarian crisis as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, is on our minds. Bombings and internal displacement have already threatened the safety and well-being of countless children and their families, and millions of Ukrainian refugees, mostly women, and children have poured into neighboring countries. The world is watching the tragic toll of this military aggression unfold in real-time. We join the global community in calling for an immediate end to this horrific, senseless violence and aggression.
 
For many displaced Ukrainian families, the trauma of war has been amplified by the challenge of trying to protect the safety and well-being of their children without the usual social and infrastructure support. We are especially concerned for the well-being of our families and their children on the spectrum or with other neurodevelopmental disorders for whom separation from loved ones, as well as from trusted teachers and therapists, destruction of supports and routines, and lack of basic necessities can be particularly devastating. Research has shown that children with neurodevelopmental disorders have increased vulnerability to experiencing trauma and that feelings of horror and helplessness may lead to the development of long-lasting mental and medical health challenges. 
 
We know some of our members are actively engaged in efforts to address the emotional and educational needs of Ukrainian children with autism and supporting their families as they flee to bordering countries. We encourage all INSAR members to consider ways they may help (however small) in these efforts.   
 
This egregious war has activated worldwide efforts to address the vital needs of Ukrainians experiencing acute trauma and facing agonizing uncertainty and fear about their future.  The needs are tremendous and urgent.   
 
Below are just a few sources of information about ways you can help. If you decide to help, realize the list below is not exhaustive or endorsed by INSAR.  Always perform your own due diligence before donating to any organization. Some organizations allow you to specify that your donation is to be used for Ukrainian relief. 

Autism Europe - Support for Autistic People in Ukraine

Save the Children - Ukraine

Autism Science Foundation – Aid Autistic Ukrainian Refugees (custom Amazon US link):  Autism specific items can be purchased on Amazon and will be distributed to autism organizations in Poland via B-Strong Foundation. 


Contributed by: Katarzyna Chawarska, PhD
Translations coordinated by: Agnieszka Rynkiewicz, MD, MAT, PhD;  INSAR Global Senior Leader for Poland
Approved by:  INSAR Board of Directors

INSAR Board of Directors' Statement Regarding Concerns About Hybrid Meeting Location

March 8, 2022

A number of INSAR members have reached out to the Board directly, or via social media, to express their displeasure that this year’s meeting is being held in the state of Texas, citing politically-charged legislation and policies the state has enacted regarding the rights of transgender youth, as well as women’s reproductive freedom and voting rights.
 
The Board hears and respects those sentiments, which have included calls for a boycott of Texas. By promoting high-quality autism research, INSAR improves the lives of people in all communities, and we stand, resolutely, for the promotion of diversity, equity, equality, belonging and freedom of choice for all people in all communities around the world. The INSAR meeting is an important, highly-visible platform that elevates science and explores and celebrates the tremendous diversity of the autism community, locally, nationally and globally. Sustaining the viability and integrity of that platform is of paramount importance and to do that means we must focus on our long-standing commitment to the science and to the autism community for this and every INSAR meeting, no matter the setting. We want to take care that the path we choose to voice INSAR's commitment to equity for all people is consistent with our mission and does not deprive any community of a vibrant scientific meeting.
 
The Board encourages you to continue to share your views with us and with each other. We want all voices to be heard, and we look forward to convening in May. We hope you will join us in person in Austin, if that is the right choice for you. We believe it is more important than ever to promote the work of researchers, advocates, self-advocates, clinicians and all who are focused on promoting the highest quality autism research.

View Event details here.

INSAR Statement on Anti-Asian Violence

March 26, 2021

Again, tragic events, this time in the U.S. city of Atlanta, GA, and around the globe, require INSAR to raise its collective voice and denounce racism and hatred in all its forms. The recent rise in anti-Asian violence in the U.S.A. is clear with close to 4,000 attacks reported to the STOP AAPI HATE website, including those in Atlanta. We explicitly reaffirm our unwavering support for Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, and their families. You are an essential part of the INSAR community. We stand with you in your grief and alarm over the recent attacks.

We also recognize that there is a regrettably long history of such attacks. We are a global community dedicated to advancing research to improve the lives of ALL individuals living with autism and stand in support of our colleagues. More than that though, we are a community dedicated to the benefit of all people through science. As such we must recognize our collective and individual responsibilities to speak out against racism, misogyny, and hatred for all the damage they do, to all people, in every country of the world.

INSAR Statements on Discrimination and the Black Lives Matter Movement

June 26, 2020

Racial discrimination, injustice and oppression are pernicious facets of society that require no less than a societal effort to eliminate. However, the effort cannot only be exerted in one moment in time. Only sustained awareness and action will be sufficient to surmount centuries of discrimination. One recent example of sustained action is the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement organized in 2013 in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal in the death of Trayvon Martin in the United States. Recent events attest to the need for broad societal support.

INSAR stands in solidarity with the Black community in denouncing racism and prejudice and institutional discrimination. As such, INSAR is committed to contributing to a sustained enterprise for social justice for Black people. To this end we call upon all members of INSAR to educate themselves about systemic and institutional biases and barriers for Black people, to speak out against discrimination in their professional and personal circles, and to take action to advance anti-racism in all aspects of autism research.

We will also expand on our efforts to create, facilitate and/or deliver diversity, inclusion and equity in training as a fundamental, integral and widely accessible part of annual society meetings, regional meetings, and outreach activities. In particular, we will strive to enhance educational and career opportunities for Black students and scientists in the field of autism research. We will also strive to expand our emphasis on working more effectively to ensure the diversity of our research and to insure that information related to the positive impact of treatment and other clinical services reaches the widest and most culturally diverse community.

Work in these areas has begun through the many efforts of INSAR Committees, including the Cultural Diversity, the Early Career, the Student & Trainee, and the newly formed Autistic Researchers and Global Senior Leaders committees. Additionally, INSAR is committed to promoting diversity in our leadership structure, along with our commitment to training and advancement of Black students and professionals. In the coming weeks we also hope to commission a related commentary for Autism Research, the society journal and to begin to explore scholarship funding for Black Students pursuing careers in autism research. Today, though, perhaps the most important thing for members to do is read the following eloquent statement written for INSAR by Professor Brian Boyd, University of Kansas, on why Black Lives Matter to the Society.

- INSAR Board of Directors and Cultural Diversity Committee 

Black Lives Should Matter to Us, Too

As Representative, and Civil Rights icon, John Lewis recently said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair and not just, you have to say something. You have to do something.”

Sometimes it’s easier for us in the research community to not say or do anything about the larger problems of the world, and simply wait for them to pass us by as we seek comfort in our labs and offices. However, we know from a long line of behavioral treatment research that there are times when ignoring a problem actually makes it worse. Perhaps this is one of those times. I don’t know if this moment truly represents an inflection point on racism and discrimination in society. At least in the U.S., there have been other moments throughout our history that we thought were inflection points, such as passage of the 13th amendment to abolish slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, or even the election of former President Obama. Yet, here we are in 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, with worldwide protests condemning the lingering effects of systemic racism.

We have heard and said the most recent names of Black men, women, and children whose lives were lost to police violence and racism – Tamir Rice, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and now, Rayshard Brooks. However, their names join a list of names that has become too long to remember. In fact, many of us likely have forgotten the name Charles Kinsey. At the time, Mr. Kinsey worked as a behavioral therapist at a residential care facility for people with developmental disabilities. Fortunately, his life was not tragically taken; however, he was shot by a police officer while out searching for an autistic resident who had wandered away. Mr. Kinsey was shot three times while lying on the ground with his hands in the air as the young autistic man played with his toy truck nearby.

We essentially know how we’ve come to this moment – structural and institutional racism as well as implicit biases have sustained and perpetuated disparities in communities of color. We are now witnessing the consequences of inaction. Some in our INSAR community may be asking, “What does this have to do with autism?” Well, it is more than likely that Black parents of children with autism, or Black autistic adults involved in your research or with whom you interact have experienced racism, and so, are deeply and personally affected by what is happening right now in the world. Black, autistic people and their families are not exempt from the wounds of racism.

Yet, in order to translate this moment into an actual inflection point on racism, we must all dedicate ourselves to active engagement in anti-racist actions, in our homes, communities, and yes, in our research. We should know more about the effects of racism and discrimination on the outcomes and lives of autistic people of color, including those who are racially Black. Conducting research on Black lives is an action we can take. Here is one list of other anti-racist actions from the University of Connecticut. The point is to stop seeking comfort in our offices, ignoring the issue of racism, and commit to doing something to finally address an issue that should not be ignored any longer. There is hope, power, and purpose to be found in taking action .

If we truly believe, as a field, that diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated, then we should not be hesitant to say; in fact, we should boldly proclaim that “Black Lives Matter!”

Sincerely,

Brian A. Boyd, PhD
Associate Professor & Director, Juniper Gardens Children’s Project
University of Kansas

INSAR Committee Statements

Autistic Researchers Committee (ARC) Statement

Student & Trainee Committee (STC) Statement

INSAR Strategic Plan