Can Autism Be Cured or Reversed?

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that develops during the early stages of a child’s life. 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.

Table Of Contents

Can Autism Be Cured or Reversed?

Contrary to some recent claims and rumors swirling on social media, autism cannot be cured or reversed. It is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people for their entire lives.

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 girls, 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

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 tests. 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 autism. 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 severity, 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.

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.

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.