By: Sierra Shumate
For a long time, it has been common belief that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a chronic, incurable condition that can be treated with therapy in order to help people cope.
However, researchers implemented by the US National Institute of Health say that this view may need to be reassessed a bit. Thirty-four people (both children and young adults) ranging from ages 8-21, who were previously diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder, were currently identified as being entirely on-par with their peers. Earlier diagnoses were revisited and re-checked by multiple experts, and the children today were compared with a second group as well as a control group. The second group consisted of children who had been diagnosed with high functioning autism, who had been matched for gender and age, and the control group consisted of children who were unaffected developmentally.
Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Thomas Insel, states that the "diagnosis of autism is not typically lost overtime." However, he seems to think that these studies suggest a wide range of possible outcomes associated with the disorder. This report provides a basis for more exploration to be done on the nature of autism and long term outcomes for future children.
The children who are now being studied are now a part of further research on changes in their brain functioning as well as the type of therapy they received. The children who"grew out" of autism were noted with a slightly higher IQ than those with highly functioning autism and were also diagnosed with a more mild form. It is possible that having a higher IQ may have aided these children in their development and acquiring social traits.
From this research it can be inferred that autistic traits may be able to be improved, and may even be entirely masked through intensive therapy and support. Dr. Judith Gould, director of the National Autistic Society, states that “This research acknowledges that a diagnosis of autism is not usually lost over time and it is important to recognize the support that people with autism need in order to live the lives of their choosing."
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