Introduction to Part 2

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most challenging neurodevelopmental disorders of our era. Currently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence continues to rise with the current estimate at 1 in 54 children in the United States. Over the last 2 decades research on ASD has increased, particularly in areas focusing on physiological disruptions such as mitochondrial and redox metabolism abnormalities, immune system dysfunction and environmental health, although research focusing on genetics and behavior still predominate the field. Drug treatment trials have provided few "home runs" and many failures. A series of 2 issues of Seminars in Pediatric Neurology provide articles representing the cutting edge of research and clinical care for children with ASD. The first issue contained 3 articles on Advances in Diagnostic Methodology and 3 articles on Cutting Edge Methods for Studying Outcomes. The second issue contains 2 articles on Advances in Early Screening and Diagnosis on the Front Lines and 7 articles on Novel and Cutting-Edge Therapies. The 2 issues will provide significant insight into new and exciting developments in the field as well as provide a framework for understanding the challenges ahead.