PRN - GHN News Editor - Autism spectrum disorder is becoming more
pronounced, either because of better diagnoses or increases in the
general population, and in a "race for the cure," one study suggests
after a three-year program of behavioral therapy, children can recover
from it.
Results
of a landmark study on autism have just today been released, that took
place through CARD, the world's largest provider of intensive behavioral
intervention for children with autism. It was funded over three years
by the State of Arizona.
place through CARD, the world's largest provider of intensive behavioral
intervention for children with autism. It was funded over three years
by the State of Arizona.
14
young children with autism were tracked, as the behavioral therapy,
using a version of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that blends
structured teaching with play-based behavioral intervention, was
utilized in the program of therapy. Today, researchers tell us that 43
percent of the study's participants no longer display clinical symptoms
of autism. They also maintain that most of those participants in the
study demonstrate significant improvements in functioning.
CARD
found the children made substantial gains in cognitive and adaptive
functioning, language skills and executive functioning and were measured
both at the outset of therapy and three years later. The children
were each given 25 hours weekly instruction.
found the children made substantial gains in cognitive and adaptive
functioning, language skills and executive functioning and were measured
both at the outset of therapy and three years later. The children
were each given 25 hours weekly instruction.
"Years
ago, some doctors would tell parents that they should institutionalize
their children after an autism diagnosis," said Dr. Granpeesheh. "Today,
we know that autism is treatable and recovery is possible with the
right services. Every child deserves a chance to learn and grow, and we
hope that these results provide hope to families of newly diagnosed
children."
ago, some doctors would tell parents that they should institutionalize
their children after an autism diagnosis," said Dr. Granpeesheh. "Today,
we know that autism is treatable and recovery is possible with the
right services. Every child deserves a chance to learn and grow, and we
hope that these results provide hope to families of newly diagnosed
children."
The
study's major findings is that children who developed language skills
early in the therapy program over time made even greater gains. Those
children who did not recover from autism still made substantial gains in
communication and living skills.
study's major findings is that children who developed language skills
early in the therapy program over time made even greater gains. Those
children who did not recover from autism still made substantial gains in
communication and living skills.
"My daughter is now recovered from autism," said Elizabeth Howell,
parent of a study participant. "When people meet her and interact with
her, they cannot believe that she ever had an autism diagnosis."
parent of a study participant. "When people meet her and interact with
her, they cannot believe that she ever had an autism diagnosis."
The program targeted children's interests and abilities, and treatment plans were based on these.
"The behavioral intervention was intensive, comprehensive and high-quality," said Dr. Amy Kenzer, CARD research manager. "These factors play a major role in the outcomes observed."
Experts
define autism as a pervasive developmental disorder that is marked by
the presence of impaired social interaction and communication and a
restricted repertoire of activities and interests. The disorder is
estimated to affect as many as 1 in 110 children in America and is four
times more common in boys than in girls.
define autism as a pervasive developmental disorder that is marked by
the presence of impaired social interaction and communication and a
restricted repertoire of activities and interests. The disorder is
estimated to affect as many as 1 in 110 children in America and is four
times more common in boys than in girls.
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