According to a recent study, autism signs in children one years old and younger can be erased. The research, run by the University of California Davis’ MIND Institute, is going with the “earlier the better” approach when it comes to autism treatment.
The study provided direct therapy to babies ages 6-9 months old who were identified as having early signs of autism. Autism includes the inability to make eye contact, lack of babbling and fixations.
By the time the seven babies in the study reached their third birthday, a time when autism can be diagnosed reliably, five didn’t show any autism symptoms and a sixth had only mild symptoms.
Although the results were impressive, the therapy is not considered a cure for autism, or even a treatment. The study needs more children for more confirmation.
Sally Rogers, professor at UC Davis, said she and her colleagues are planning a larger study now, to begin as soon as they can line up funding.
The treatment, which is a modified version of a therapy program already offered to older children diagnosed with autism, involves 12 hour-long training sessions for families.
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