Editors’ Note and Prologue

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant developmental challenges and complex co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions, [1][2][3] and they are at risk for considerable unmet health care needs. [4][5][6][7][8] As the reported prevalence of ASD continues to rise, 9,10 the need for a health care system that is fully equipped to meet the needs of this population is increasingly important. We are pleased to introduce the third supplement to Pediatrics led by the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) with support from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act. 11 The 2 previous supplements led by the AIR-P were published in 2012 and 2016, and the work presented in this volume represents significant advances in improving the health and well-being of children with ASD through innovations in research and practice.