Researchers at the University of Connecticut have
discovered that it is possible for a child to outgrow autism. Some children who
were diagnosed with autism are being found to have recovered from the disorder,
though there is a chance that some of these individuals may have been
misdiagnosed at an early age as the number of autism diagnoses has been
increasing. In one study, 18% of the toddlers that were screened no longer were
considered to be autistic by the age of 4. Still, there currently is not a
method to determine which group of individuals will outgrow or recover from
autism. Some believe that the recovery could be attributed to proper therapy
along with biological and genetic factors. Dr. Deborah Fein, one of the
researchers at the University of Connecticut, is looking to see what can lead
to what is known as the "optimal outcome," as she believes that many
of the children diagnosed with autism can reach this end goal. However, it has
been noted by Dr. Fred Volkmar of the Yale University School of Medicine that
some individuals who do not meet the criteria for the disorder, and have
therefore "recovered," may still show behaviors which could be
considered abnormal. In one example, an individual is said to have recovered
from autism but as an adult eats the same meal every night, goes through the
exact same routine, and shows awkwardness in some social settings.
Reference:
Wang, Shirley S. "Who Can Outgrow or Recover From
Autism." The Wall Street
Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 21 Jan. 2013. Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
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