A new ray of light (and hope) for children with autism

A diagnosis of autism is heartbreaking for the parents of a young child whose development is delayed or impaired. Now, the Washington Post reports that a new study seems to indicate that some children with autism spectrum disorders can be treated and possibly even "cured." Of course, the study raise hopes for parents, and therefore these early results are controversial if they only offer a false hope. Yet, the study may lead to a fuller understanding of autism and the treatments and teaching techniques to assist the children effected by the disorder.

"I don't know that the children 'recovered,' though they did improve . . . to the extent that they no longer met the diagnostic criteria," [Vanderbilt University professor of pediatrics and psychology Wendy] Stone said. "Almost all continued to have some form of developmental disorder."

"I think the most hopeful message we need to give parents," said Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the nonprofit group Autism Speaks, "is that all children with autism are capable of learning and developing new skills with the help of early intervention."