ObjectiveTo explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the past ten years, the literatures of microglia-related neuroinflammation of ASD and the immune regulation and possible pathways of exercise ameliorating ASD symptoms were reviewed. MethodsArticles about microglia-related research in ASD during January, 2012 to December, 2021 were searched in the core collection database of Web of Science. The CiteSpace 5.8.R3 software was used to summarize the main findings, visualize and analyze the annual publication volume, high-frequency keywords and keyword clustering. Results and ConclusionA total of 783 papers were returned. The numbers of papers published increased with time. The neuroinflammation was a research hotspot in the pathogenesis of ASD, among which abnormal activation of microglia and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were important factors in the occurrence and development of ASD. Exercise was an important intervention to improve symptoms of ASD, which may associate with reducing neuroinflammation or regulating microglia-mediated inflammatory pathways.