Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that develops during the early stages of a child’s life1. Much research and studies have been conducted in recent years into autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which have resulted in expanded knowledge about the disorder, improved diagnostic tools and proven treatment plans to help those who have it.
Autism outreach and awareness programs have also expanded around the globe, helping people understand what autism is and how it affects people, with the goal of advancing acceptance and inclusivity for people on the autism spectrum.
With so much expansion in the scientific knowledge and evidence-based treatments that have been developed for autism, a major question people may have is whether autism can be cured or reversed.
Below, we discuss the answer to that question and debunk some common myths that exist about autism.
Can Autism Be Cured or Reversed?
Contrary to some recent claims and rumors swirling on social media, autism cannot be cured or reversed3. It is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people for their entire lives.2
This topic was in the news recently, as a study conducted in the U.S. claimed to be show that autism could be “reversed.” As Reuters reported, though, many experts debunked the misleading headlines and news coverage about the study.
The experts said that there was only anecdotal evidence presented in the study of two young girls4, and it used “questionable” methods that might show the girls were just taught new behaviors that either reduced or masked some of their autism symptoms, rather than eradicating them altogether.
These expert opinions fall in line with decades of other research about autism that have proven that it’s not a “curable disease” but rather a life-long disorder.
Learn more about whether autism will ever be cured
| Common Myth | What the Article Says | What Can Help Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Autism can be cured or reversed. | The article explains that autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder and that claims of a cure or reversal are not supported by the evidence it discusses. | Support can focus on developing communication, social, daily living and other functional skills based on an individual’s needs. |
| If autism symptoms become less noticeable, the autism has disappeared. | The article notes that learning new behaviors or reducing certain observable challenges does not necessarily mean autism itself has been eradicated. | Progress can instead be measured by meaningful improvements in skills, communication, independence and quality of daily life. |
| Autism is diagnosed with a blood test or routine medical exam. | According to the article, autism is diagnosed through comprehensive evaluations that consider behavior, development, observations and established diagnostic criteria such as those in the DSM-5. | Families with developmental concerns can seek an evaluation from qualified healthcare or developmental professionals. |
| If autism cannot be cured, nothing can be done to help. | The article emphasizes that the absence of a cure does not mean support is unavailable. Children can receive therapies and services intended to address specific challenges and build useful skills. | Individualized supports may target communication, social interaction, daily routines, learning and greater independence. |
| ABA therapy is intended to cure autism. | The article presents ABA as a behavioral approach for teaching and strengthening skills, rather than as a cure for autism. | The article describes individualized ABA programs that use strategies such as breaking skills into smaller steps, repetition and positive reinforcement. |
Why Can’t Autism Be Cured or Reversed?
The next natural question, then, is why can’t autism be cured or reversed? The reason is that in and of itself, autism isn’t biological. It’s not a disease, but rather a set of behaviors.
Autism isn’t diagnosed like other curable diseases and biological disorders are — through medical examinations and blood tests6. Instead, an autism diagnosis is based solely on surface symptoms.
Mental health professionals follow generally-acceptable guidelines and criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, to accurately diagnose autism5. Through in-depth evaluations that include observations and conversations with those who are in direct contact with the patient frequently, clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals can accurately diagnose someone as being on the autism spectrum.
While ASD is a very complex and diverse disorder that affects every individual differently, and to different degrees of severity7, it is commonly characterized by two things — repetitive or restricted interests or behaviors, and challenges with interaction and social communication.
If Autism Can’t Be Cured or Reversed, What Can Be Done?
While autism can’t be cured or reversed, it can be treated. In fact, there are more treatment options available today for children on the autism spectrum than there ever have been. There are also plenty of resources today available for children on the autism spectrum as well as their families and other members of their “inner circle.”
The leading treatment for children on the autism spectrum is known as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy. This science-based approach to behavior and learning helps children develop the social, communication and daily life skills they need to be successful in life.8
Many autistic children experience challenges with these things, so ABA therapists work directly with them, one-on-one, to improve these skills over time.
ABA therapy is based on the principle of positive reinforcement and breaking down skills into very small steps, which makes it easier for autistic children to understand and grasp.
Through repetition and consistent positive feedback when desired behaviors are exhibited, ABA therapists help children grow significantly over time.9
Blue Gems ABA is a Leading Provider of ABA Therapy
Even though autism can’t be cured or reversed, that doesn’t mean that people who are diagnosed with it are doomed for life. Quite the contrary, people on the autism spectrum can live happy and fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they face.
At Blue Gems ABA, we are dedicated to helping all of our patients thrive and succeed in live by improving on these social, communication and daily life skills that they may have difficulty completing.
Our team of experienced therapists do this by administering one-on-one ABA therapy treatment plans that are catered to each individual and include the child’s parents, caregivers and others in their life.
To learn more, please contact us today.
References
- Autism Spectrum Disorder — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder — MedlinePlus
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) — Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Study Does Not Show Autism Can Be “Reversed,” Experts Say — Reuters
- Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder — CDC
- National Screening Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder — World Health Organization
- Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder — American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders — American Academy of Pediatrics
- Community-Based Rehabilitation for Adults With Developmental Disorders — World Health Organization
