Mapping Global Research Trends on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Bibliometric Analysis of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Studies

TL;DR

This study maps global research trends in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pharmacology from 2001 to 2025, identifying key contributors, themes, and growth patterns.

Contribution

The paper provides the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of pharmacological ASD research, revealing global trends and thematic shifts.

Findings

Pharmacological research on ASD has shown exponential growth over the last two decades.

The U.S., China, and Italy are leading in ASD pharmacology research productivity.

Recent trends emphasize immuno-synaptic interactions, microbiota, and biomarker-guided therapies.

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a major challenge in neurological development research and is receiving increasing attention from the pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences. Despite this constant growth, there is no document that provides a comprehensive overview integrating publication trends, key contributors, and thematic developments, allowing efforts to be focused on specific areas. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of pharmacological research related to ASD published between 2001 and 2025. Methods: The database obtained contains 1170 articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database in the JCR Pharmacy and Pharmacology category. Bibliometric indicators such as publication growth, h-index, authorship, institutional and national productivity, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer and the laws of Price, Bradford, Zipf, and Lotka. Results: A total of 1170 documents were analyzed, showing an exponential increase in pharmacological research related to ASD over the last two decades. The United States, China, and Italy emerged as the most productive countries, while King Saud University, Harvard Medical School, and The Ohio State University were among the leading institutions. The most frequently cited keywords, such as “autism spectrum disorder,” “valproic acid,” “oxidative stress,” and “flavonoids,” revealed a translational approach linking neurobiological mechanisms, redox imbalance, and therapeutic interventions. Contemporary research emphasizes immuno–synaptic interactions, microbiota, and biomarker-guided approaches. Conclusions: This study highlights the global expansion and diversification of pharmacological research in ASD. The results underscore a shift toward integrated biological frameworks and precision-oriented strategies, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance translational outcomes in ASD therapy.

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