New research findings provide major challenges regarding our understanding of the concept of autism. These are critically discussed in relation to research relevant to classification, genetics, environmental risk factors, gene-environment interplay, animal models, biomarkers, clinical features, neuropathology, pharmacotherapy, behavioral treatments, and functioning in adult life. It is concluded that, although there have been major research advances; there is a need for a reconceptualization and an avoidance of claims that go beyond the evidence.