Explore the topics of non-celiac gluten disease causing malabsorption and autoimmune disease. Wheat was altered in the 1950's. Look up how BASF’s Clearfield wheat was created, for example, by exposing the seeds and embryos to the industrial chemical, sodium azide, that is highly toxic to humans. Autism is a spectrum of that starts as embryo becomes fetus. 

There is no known cure for autism.  It is also not a disease, so is not something to be cured.

http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/causes.aspx

How Is Autism Treated?

 Each child or adult with autism is unique and, so, each autism intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs.

Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors. (Learn more about Treatment of Autism’s Core Symptoms and Treatment of Associated Medical Conditions.)

Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child's entire family, working closely with a team of professionals. In some early intervention programs, therapists come into the home to deliver services. This can include parent training with the parent leading therapy sessions under the supervision of the therapist. Other programs deliver therapy in a specialized center, classroom or preschool. (Learn more about Early Intervention.)

Typically, different interventions and supports become appropriate as a child develops and acquires social and learning skills. As children with autism enter school, for example, they may benefit from targeted social skills training and specialized approaches to teaching.

Adolescents with autism can benefit from transition services that promote a successful maturation into independence and employment opportunities of adulthood. (Learn more about Transition in our Transition Tool Kit.)

What Early Intervention Therapies Are Currently Available?

Objective scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of two methods of comprehensive behavioral early intervention. They are the Lovaas Model based on Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model. Parents and therapists also report success with other commonly used behavioral therapies, including Floortime, Pivotal Response Therapy andVerbal Behavior Therapy. For still more information, also see the “Treatment and Therapies” chapter of our 100 Day Kit. 

Treatment Options for Toddlers and Preschool Children

Scientific studies have demonstrated that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism. While the outcomes of early intervention vary, all children benefit. Researchers have developed a number of effective early intervention models. They vary in details, but all good early intervention programs share certain features. They include:

√ The child receives structured, therapeutic activities for at least 25 hours per week.

√ Highly trained therapists and/or teachers deliver the intervention. Well-trained paraprofessionals may assist with the intervention under the supervision of an experienced professional with expertise in autism therapy.

√ The therapy is guided by specific and well-defined learning objectives, and the child’s progress in meeting these objectives is regularly evaluated and recorded.

√ The intervention focuses on the core areas affected by autism. These include social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skills.

√ The program provides the child with opportunities to interact with typically developing peers.

√ The program actively engages parents in the intervention, both in decision making and the delivery of treatment.

√ The therapists make clear their respect for the unique needs, values and perspectives of the child and his or her family.

√ The program involves a multidisciplinary team that includes, as needed, a physician, speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist.

Do Children or Adults Diagnosed with Autism Ever Move Off "the Spectrum"? 

 Growing evidence suggests that a small minority of persons with autism progress to the point where they no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various theories exist as to why this happens. They include the possibility of an initial misdiagnosis, the possibility that some children mature out of certain forms of autism and the possibility that successful treatment can, in some instances, produce outcomes that no longer meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

You may also hear about children diagnosed with autism who reach “best outcome” status. This means they have scored within normal ranges on tests for IQ, language, adaptive functioning, school placement and personality, but still have mild symptoms on some personality and diagnostic tests. 

 Some children who no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are later diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder or a relatively high-functioning form of autism such as Asperger Syndrome. 

Currently, we don’t know what percentage of persons with autism will progress to the point where they “lose their diagnosis.” We likewise need further research to determine what genetic, physiological or developmental factors might predict who will achieve such outcomes.

We do know that significant improvement in autism symptoms is most often reported in connection with intensive early intervention—though at present, we cannot predict which children will have such responses to therapy. 

We also know that many people with autism go on to live independent and fulfilling lives, and that all deserve the opportunity to work productively, develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships and enjoy life. With better interventions and supports available, those affected by autism are having better outcomes in all spheres of life. 

For more information and resources, please see our Video Glossary and FAQs and special sections on Symptoms, Diagnosis, Learn the Signs, Your Child’s Rights, Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS. We also offer a number of resource-packed tool kits for free download from our Family Services Tool Kits page and our Autism Treatment Network Tools You Can Use page). Our 100 Day Kit is for families who have a child recently diagnosed with autism. These resources are made possible through the generous support of our families, volunteers and other donors, as well as through grants administered by the National Institutes of Health.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment

The autism is still a mystery for the scientific research: biological hypothesis, genetic, pharmacological, cognitive develop and mingle but never come to a complete definition. Inevitably, it is not certain the causes, it is not possible to establish a cure for autism. Nevertheless, today, autism is treatable, there are successfully treated autistic children who play, talk, study and enjoy their lives. A subgroup is demonstrated to benefit from gluten free diet.

I have some autistic friends, so that is the reason why I have had followed this thread, shared by dear @Ali.

I do follow this blog sometimes: 

Can Autism be Cured?

Dr Mark Hyman, MD has fine approach!

http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/12/can-autism-be-cured/

Thanks 

The explanation and ways forward put by Ali  are plausible and doable. I worked as a board chair of the first NGO on autism in Ethiopia called  Merry  Joy  Center for autism. The center was started by an industrious woman called Zemi Yosuf,after learning that her son was autistic. As a social scientist and applied linguist what I learnt is that autism is on the increase and is not curable. What factors contribute to its prevalence we still do not know although I think that modernity such as feeding on inorganic food such as genetically modified foods, use of hormones as contraceptives, extreme dependence on so-called medicinal drugs particularly during pregnancy as well as traditional medicines may be contributors on top of genetic vulnerability.  Since autism has levels, the mild ones can be managed and putting what Ali suggested could improve the life of autistic children. With the severe ones, it is important that families are helped by government and  humanitarian organizations to manage such cases not only socially but also medically. The most important thing that  scientists need to do  is to determine biological vulnerability and preventable factors that enhance vulnerability to having autistic  children. It is a serious challenge of immediate concern.

The first two questions that come to my mind: what is autism? And then how can it be prevented?

Under these two questions hang a LOT of controversy.  One group swears it is vaccines given the first two years after birth, another some other prenatal environmental cause.  Prevention? Vitamins, fresh food and exercise or whatever name your favorite of the week.  (Sorry if I sound testy, there are a couple of loved ones in the family on the autism spectrum and it breaks the heart.)

The problem of answering these two questions is the same as when a lay person asks me "have you found THE cause/cure for Alzheimer Disease yet?" As though there will be one magic bullet to stop all senile dementias.   While signs and symptoms are similar, the cause, management or prevention might be different.  As with some of the Prion diseases there is a genetic component, there might as well be a genetic component with autism.  This might be triggered by an environmental cause as some have speculated, which might be different for different cases!

Ultimately for the person with autism and the family the management is the simple rule of what works!  

  Thanks for letting me ramble.

The main reason that autism cases are on the rise, I'm convinced, is that it has become over-diagnosed. Children with attention disorder, or bad behavior in the classroom, used to be considered difficult. Now they are always labeled as autistic. Or even worse. We have come to the point where very intelligent children, who might shy away from the loud and rough other kids, and might be deeply engrossed in their own interests, are now suspiciously looked upon, by the public, as possibly being autistic.

As to  being caused BY the vaccinations, that appears to be unsubstantiated. The problem is mostly that autism manifests itself most obviously, always has, right about when children receive many of their vaccines. And this also occurred before children were administered so many vaccines. The truth is, at about age 3 years old, is when autism becomes diagnosed, and that's also when children are administered many vaccines. However, in retrospect, I think most parents could have recognized some of the signs before then - before the onslaught of vaccinations.

It is a disorder, and it does exist over a very wide spectrum of severity. But I very much doubt that autism is on the increase in reality. Just on the increase in perception.

While the exact causes of autism disorders are still unknown, we do know it’s a neurobiological disorder that affects people throughout their lives, to varying degrees.

There is not a cure that completely eliminates such disorders, but timely and effective autism treatments can greatly reduce the effects. It appears that autism is a genetic disorder with neuropathology that indicates abnormalities in numerous areas of the brain.

Studies have shown that ABA is effective in teaching new skills and reducing problem behaviour. Other studies have found that intensive ABA implemented more than 20 hours per week and begun early in life, prior to the age of 4, produces large gains in development and reduces the need for special services.

http://thelovaascenter.com/autism/causes-and-cures-of-autism/

the autism   is still a mystery for the scientific research: biological hypothesis, genetic, pharmacological, cognitive develop . if we try to know there world but never come to a complete definition. Inevitably, it is not certain the causes, it is not possible to establish a cure for autism.If we deel with them nearly they are  in unigue world, we need to dicover there abilities,  i think  from my experience , some of them  are talented ,  have multiple intelligences, with high emotional intelligence especially when they grown up.

Difficult question... here is someone who is close to answer it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4m_TylwRnY

Can a robot 'companion' help children with autism?

"Leka is a Bluetooth-enabled interactive toy, which can be paired with its corresponding app on a mobile device, and has been scientifically tested over the past two years in France and the US. It can be operated manually, controlled by adults, or in an autonomous mode, with a selection of applications.

The toy is meant to help children by engaging them in games that build motor, cognitive, and emotional skills. According to the release, "As robots have the ability to be predictable in their actions—an important trait for children with developmental disorders—Leka is able to give users a sense of safety. Coupled with this predictability and Leka's capability to stimulate a child's senses, Leka can socially engage children and nurture greater, more efficient progress."..."

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/can-a-robot-companion-help-children-with-autism/?ftag=TRE684d531&bhid=26515897512689358169344413145444

Have you looked at animal and animal therapy the calming effects of animals on children with broad spectrum autistic behaviour is not only therapeutic but has the advantage of giving a parent relief especially where autism is severe. The animal provides support protection and companionship to the child. The dog is trained simimlarly to dogs for blind people except they are used with a range ofiD disorders where the benefit to parent and child are huge.

Autism is defenetly hormone related... ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4m_TylwRnY )  if you add up the study in the attached fille to this video, you will get pretty close to what is possibly one the most important causes of autiism... however autism seems to be mutlifactorial.... lots of work to be done in the field.

I'm just wondering how many autistic people you know, personally? Maybe you should engage with the adult autism community to understand what we want?

http://the-art-of-autism.com/a-physician-speaks-what-physicians-can-learn-from-the-neurodiversity-movement/

I enclose herewith our paper.

While the exact causes of autism disorders are still unknown, we do know it’s a neurobiological disorder that affects people throughout their lives, to varying degrees.

There is not a cure that completely eliminates such disorders, but timely and effective autism treatments can greatly reduce the effects. It appears that autism is a genetic disorder with neuropathology that indicates abnormalities in numerous areas of the brain.

The delays in social development could be caused by differences in certain areas of the brain like the amygdala because it’s important with regard to emotional stimuli and social interaction, like detecting which way a person is looking.

Long-term memory could be affected because of differences within the hippocampus.

Also, problems with regulating sensory input could be due to differences in the cerebellum. Even though causes are uncertain and vary from child to child, ABA treatment for autism has been found to be effective because it addresses the set of resultant autistic behaviors and works independently of any causes — known or unknown.

Publicized Cures and Treatments for Autism

As the rate of autism continues to rise, so does the number of treatments promoted to help. Some are legitimate, while others simply seek to gain from a growing “market” filled with caring parents looking for ways to help their children. If a program or product claims to cure autism, be particularly cautious. We do not yet know for certain what causes autism, and so far there is no permanent cure. Fortunately, a few autism treatments can help children with autism learn to function well in society.

Just because an article is published somewhere claiming to have found some new miracle cure for autism, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Effective autism treatments must stand the test of time. Lovaas ABA Treatment for Autism does so, along with other legitimate ABA treatments. We are far more concerned about protecting children from harmful treatments and helping them find effective ones than we are about gaining new clients. Our commitment is to the children, above all else.

ABA treatment for Autism

Studies have shown that ABA is effective in teaching new skills and reducing problem behavior (Goldstein, 2002; Odom et al., 2003; McConnell, 2002; Horner et al., 2002). Other studies have found that intensive ABA implemented more than 20 hours per week and begun early in life, prior to the age of 4, produces large gains in development and reduces the need for special services (Smith, 1999).

ABA is recommended by the Association for Science in Autism (ASAT) which states:“Because ABA currently has substantially more scientific support than any other behavioral or educational intervention for children with ASD, ASAT recommends that families and professionals strongly consider implementing ABA and be cautious about other approaches. ASAT further recommends that professionals describe other behavioral and educational interventions as untested and encourage families who are considering these interventions to evaluate them carefully.” (asatonline.org/intervention/recommendations.htm)

The United States Surgeon General states “Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behavior.”

http://thelovaascenter.com/autism/causes-and-cures-of-autism/

Starting tomorrow! Autism Speaks at the International Meeting for Autism Research 2016!  May 11-14, in Baltimore!

The annual meeting is the world’s largest gathering of autism scientists, doctors, therapists, parents and individuals on the spectrum.

Events will include more than sixty scientific presentations by Autism Speaks staff and funded researchers...

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-speaks-international-meeting-autism-research-2016

What makes anyone think that "curing" autism is actually desirable? Many ASD people have abilities that outstrip the rest of the population, and social awkwardness is not a legitimate "illness".

Speaking as a parent of an autistic child, I'd say that there is nothing to "cure". What my child needs is an upbringing tailored to his specific abilities and needs (but I think this is the case for everyone).

From what I have seen of the application of ABA, it appears to be little better than bullying the child into being "normal", which is of highly dubious benefit, and is certainly not in the child's interests. It appears to be psychology's latest form of quackery. Again, it is a case of "remaking" the child to fit social norms rather than creating an environment in which the child can thrive. The fact that I have yet to see a single case of ABA treatment that resulted in a happy or contented person (which I think should be the main criteria on which these methods should be judged), suggests it does not work for the patient, even if it does make it easier for those around them.

The Department of Education in the UK does not allow its application in our schools (although some schools do use this "treatment") because its efficacy is far from proven, and it aims are not necessarily desirable.

Dear Kirkham, millions are invested in autism research, it must be for a reason. Autism is a spectrum, and most of its levels can be accommodated by society. However, a cure must be considered for higher ends of the spectrum.

Look in these videos, the parents beg for a cure... and I would as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTU8WbTbZMI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4PTf7LgsIE

Currently there is no „medical“ cure for Autistic Spectrum Disorder but there is a plethora of psycho-educational interventions that can improve all developmental domains in children with autism (communication, social interactions, motor skills, academic attainment). A lot has been written on the topic so I will not repeat it. The principle: the earlier the child starts the treatment the better are the outcomes has been scientifically validated many times. I decided to comment on this question for one particular reason and because of one particular study and that is (I strongly recommend it to the readers):

Yatawara, C. J., Einfeld, S. L., Hickie, I. B., Davenport, T. A., & Guastella, A. J. (2015). The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction deficits observed in young children with autism: a randomized clinical crossover trial. Molecular psychiatry, 1-7.

This study seems promising to me, so maybe we will be able to find some „medical“ treatment that, alongside psychoeducational interventions, will help us reduce or eliminate the sympotms of ASD.

Cheers, Haris

The responses have been quite comprehensive and informative and indeed it has been well established that early intensive behavioural intervention is currently the most well-supported therapy for children with autism. To speak in terms of a "cure" is possibly somewhat simplistic given complexity of factors and the variability of difficulties shown at the outset and indeed variability in outcomes reported. But there is no doubt that many parents and indeed entire families, in addition to the individual child, can benefit when a child receives early intervention, for example particularly if a young child has many challenging behaviours, the entire family unit can be distressed and even a simple shopping trip can become next to impossible. I have seen and worked with many children and families whose lives were greatly enhanced as the child learned via positive reinforcement how to communicate effectively without throwing tantrums, its not an attempt to 'normalise' or diminish the child's individuality, but on the contrary to give that child an opportunity to realise potential to participate in the wider social world. If a child has vision difficulties most people would think it sensible to try to remediate that problem with glasses or other treatments, the aim is not ideologically to 'normalise'  the child, but to facilitate his being able to see better. And sometimes a small number of children with early diificulties do progress to a level when thay are no longer showing characteristics of autism and parents may seek to have a diagnosis reversed, but for the behaviour analyst the diagnosis is not the focus, but rather its facilitating the child in accessing a more independent and fulfilling life.

I agree with Andrew Kirkham. ASD is not a disorder in itself, but the negative effects can become a disorder and create problems for the individual or his/hers surrounding, which need to be attended to. The cognitive profile in itself is not always the problem and can be an advantage in many ways and many successful people do have this profile. They do not have a diagnosis, since there is no need for one. However they themselves and others often need to understand the profile better. Many with ASD profile would probably would end up with much less disorders or problems, if the surrounding world leered more about the cognitive profile of ASD and learned how to better communicate with people in this profile.

I believe the work of Baron-Cohen and his team has been very helpful in this matter and I also believe it is time for us to change the way we look at this profile. I believe that “we” who have a different profile, have lack of knowledge as well as lack of empathy, for cognitive profiles like ASD and also ADHD.

Working with the elite athletes gives a good insight in were these profile are helpful. An area where they are common and probably helps the athletes to be what they are. The same we can found in working with personnel of companies. Looking at it just from the psychiatric side, will only show the negative effects of the profile. It seems to me to be more important to try to understand how we can avoid these negative effects then try to avoid people from having this profile.

There is a lot of data that must be taken in consideration when we engage de autism discussion... I'm very interested in autism. What leads me to it, is the alarming rate at which Québec's arts classrooms are losing boys... so, even though I scan a lot of information about autism, my research leans more towards arts education.

Here are 2 of last two pieces of information that I came across and found to be very interesting and at times, astonishing leads. 

The article about meat consumption and autism rates (Pisula & Pisula, 2014)... then ''Trace amounts''... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYlATRCGhEc

Then I wondered, farm animals are also vaccinated... not sure if those vaccines may contain mercury… hope it may be useful.

Pedro

Thank you for sharing this video. We definitely need to learn and understand more about the autism spectrum. Since we now are talking about a spectrum, we might have to learn more about the variance in this spectrum and what it may include.

Mind blindness as one part but there are probably more parts depending on the individual person, as well as variance in degree. However someone with high functioning autism, might as a child or adult, not nesseccary have less problems in life, if not attended to.

As an example one of the teenagers in my study, was at home from 7-13 years of age, with very little contact with the outside world and when entering the treatment center, he finally received a diagnosis and adequate treatment. Now he is working at a restaurant as a chef.

Many people find it very difficult to accept that their child is not "normal", and everyone finds it difficult to come to terms with what it will mean for their family life. What ever the hell that means.

As for a "cure". Does anybody really know what exactly it is they are tying to cure? I have my doubts.

ASD is, as the name suggests, a spectrum. So I think it would be very helpful to firstly define what it is you are trying to cure.

I know what caused my child to be born with Autism, thanks to a sympathetic consultant paediatrician, we have a full DNA profile, and it shows alterations to his genetic code which are completely "incurable". But where are the comprehensive medical studies? Most of the "scientific research" that has been done on autism has been psychological, and ignores the whole world genetic, epigenetic and biochemical possibilities, and these are then areas most likely to provide some answers.

Dear Andrew,

I suggest you read Simon-Baron Cohen... but if you want a short-cut follow the link : 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4m_TylwRnY

I don’t believe you can cure autism. It is a developmental disability and is considered to last a person’s lifetime. It is also a way of being and a different way of experiencing the world. You can, however, do a lot to help people live life the best they can with support, understanding, therapy and timely access to appropriate services.

Dear Micaela, 

We may not be able to cure autism... but there is a very good possibility we may be able to prevent it before birth.

Editorial: What Can Be Done to Prevent Autism Now?

"If a woman is considering becoming pregnant, one of the best things she can do is give herself six months or even a year to improve her diet and make better lifestyle choices. She should consume organically grown grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean sources of protein. Laying the foundation by putting herself in optimal shape prior to conceiving will go a long way in minimizing the chance of miscarriage, or developing other complications of pregnancy and delivery..."!!!

The whole set of measures proposed may help or not? Please, deliver your expert opinions. Thanks.

https://www.autism.com/prevention

Dear Ljubomir,

Most definitely this may help...  but some choices are out of our control. We do not know what is going on with farm animal vaccinations. More than just personal choices authorities must change the way vaccines and mercury are handled in general.

How can we make accurate choices when we not all information about what is/isn't harmfull is not available? 

.

Treating autism spectrum disorder 

There's no 'cure' for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a range of specialist educational and behavioural programmes can help children with ASD.

It can be difficult to know which intervention will work best for your child because each person with ASD is affected differently.

Some types of intervention can involve hours of intensive work, and this isn't always possible for many families because of the practical, emotional and financial commitments necessary.

The National Autistic Society website has information about the many different strategies and approaches available for ASD.

Any intervention should focus on important aspects of your child's development. These are:

• communication skills – such as using pictures to help communicate (as speech and language skills are usually significantly delayed)
• social interaction skills – such as the ability to understand other people's feelings and respond to them
• imaginative play skills – such as encouraging pretend play
• academic skills – the "traditional" skills a child needs to progress with their education, such as reading, writing and maths

The detailed assessment, management and co-ordination of care for children and young people with ASD should involve local specialist community-based multidisciplinary teams (sometimes called "local autism teams") working together. The team may include:

• a paediatrician
• mental heath specialists, such as a psychologist and psychiatrist
• a learning disability specialist
• a speech and language therapist
• an occupational therapist
• education and social care services

Local autism teams should ensure that every child or a young person diagnosed with ASD has a case manager or key worker to manage and co-ordinate their treatment, care and support, as well as their transition into adult care.

The Research Autism website provides details of the many different types of autism interventions, treatments and therapies.

Psychological treatments

If your child's behaviour is causing problems, they'll be assessed for possible triggers, such as a physical health condition, mental health problem, or environmental factors.

In cases where a child with ASD also has a mental health problem, such as anxiety, a psychological treatment may be offered.

Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), involve talking to a trained therapist about thoughts and feelings, and discussing how these affect behaviour and wellbeing.

You can read more about CBT and autism on the Research Autism website.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat some of the symptoms or conditions associated with ASD. For example:

• sleeping problems – this may be treated with a medication such as melatonin
• depression – this may be treated with a type of medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
• epilepsy–this may be treated with a type of medication called an anticonvulsant
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – this may be treated with a medication such as methylphenidate
• aggressive and challenging behaviour, such as tantrums or self-harming – this may be treated with a type of medication called an antipsychotic if the behaviour is severe or psychological treatments haven't helped

These medications can have significant side effects and are usually only prescribed by a doctor who specialises in the condition being treated. If medication is offered, your child will have regular check-ups to assess whether it's working.

Treatments not recommended

A number of alternative treatments have been suggested for ASD. However, these should be avoided, because there's little or no evidence that they're effective and some may even be potentially dangerous.

Treatments that aren't recommended for ASD include:

• special diets – such as gluten-free or casein-free diets
• neurofeedback – where brain activity is monitored (usually by placing electrodes on the head) and the person being treated can see their brain activity on a screen and is taught how to change it
• auditory integration training – a therapy that involves listening to music that varies in tone, pitch and volume
• chelation therapy – which uses medication or other agents to remove metal (in particular, mercury) from the body
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy – treatment with oxygen in a pressurised chamber
• facilitated communication – where a therapist or another person supports and guides a person's hand or arm while using a device such as a computer keyboard or mouse

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Treatment.aspx

Dear Aldalal,

To affirm that something does not exist is a huge statement... maybe we are yet very ignorant about the causes and implications of autism, maybe a cure does exist. It is important, that when we engage the autism discussion to use semantics in the statements we make... furthermore, if there is no cure how come we have treatments, therapy and medication?

Here you will find another interesting lead on curing autism:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCIoOu3ygYc

Meanwhile, I’ll keep on dreaming of a world where truth shapes science and what scientists think, rather than a world where science is shaped by what scientists think is true.

But that research, "...is not about treating or curing Autism.": https://youtu.be/KCIoOu3ygYc?t=271

Also, the notion that there is some objective "truth" which shapes science and what scientists think is pretty old hat.  Definitional Debates lie at the heart of all academic discussions with the key defintional debates here seeming to be what does (and does not) constitute "autism".  Some of these definitions then facilitate discussions of "cures", some "treatments", some both, and some neither. 

Dear James,

You are right, that research is not about curing autism... the research is lead on to an autism cure as stated in my comment... so are all the other links I have shared so far.

As for being an old hat... I guess it is a personal preference, but if any claims are made on curing autism the numbers behind these will have to be pretty convincing. Some truth are more objective than others as are the answers obtained by science.

As statistician I believe the truth is numbers, not words, in general results, not individual ones, but this is a personal choice... a way to see the world.

Never the less I agree that ‘Definitional Debates lie at the heart of all academic discussions with the key definitional debates here seeming to be what does (and does not) constitute "autism".  Some of these definitions then facilitate discussions of "cures", some "treatments", some both, and some neither.’

I wish that more people, like you, would see and understand this difference. From my experience, the debate around autism is a difficult one. Often because parents or family whose emotional implication is direct, are involved. The emotions they go through are very often difficult and sensitive, which complicates and sometimes envenoms the debates around the autism discussion (very often this pushes the discussion away from any type of objective truth).

So my call goes for the usage of semantics and hard data... without these 2, the cure for autism will be far out of our reach.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder. So far, we have not been able to identify the cause(s) of the disorder, or to find a cure. What we do know, is that by intervening early we can change the trajectory of the disorder (the earlier the better). We also know that certain social, psychological, and psychopharmacological interventions seem to be effective in addressing some of the symptoms and/or comorbidities.

Dear Loizos, 

I recomend you watch Simon Baron-Cohen presentations (on earlier posts) intervention may be requiered (or possible) before birth.

Good response Pedro

Nice article about the issue at RG blog. 

High folate levels during pregnancy doubles risk of autism, Johns Hopkins study finds!

While folate is essential for healthy baby development, excessive amounts could be harmful.

"The study, released today by Johns Hopkins University, analyzed data from 1,391 mother-child pairs. The women who had both excessive folate and vitamin B12 levels were over 17 times more likely to have children that develop the autism spectrum disorder. Those with excessive folate levels – four times above what is considered adequate – faced double the risk. We talked to the study’s senior author, Daniele Fallin, to discuss why both too little and too much folate can be detrimental, and what the study means for expecting mothers...

What are the next steps in this research?

Fallin: We want to confirm our findings that very high levels of folate and B12 in pregnant women are related to later autism spectrum disorder in children. If this is confirmed, we will work to identify the sources of these extremely high levels, which will help to inform guidelines about optimal levels and how to achieve them..."

https://www.researchgate.net/blog/post/high-folate-levels-during-pregnancy-double-risk-of-autism-johns-hopkins-study-finds

I hope this review could help with the great discussion happening here

I hope epigenetasists see the connection between the proline antibodies that humans make when grains are eaten and the malabsorption of B12,  methyl- folate , ext. And how this relate to genetic transcription errors! 

Dear Ali,

You are somewhat wrong, and somewhat right...

Watch and read Dr Baron-Cohen, see where you are right and where you are wrong... some levels of autism cannot be dealth with your prescription.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4m_TylwRnY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTU8WbTbZMI

Please, let’s all be very cautious about autism and a possible cure...there is a lot at stake, and many people are putting their faith on science, let's not fail them.

Your statement is also a bit contradictory

TODAY MOST PEOPLE BELIEVE that Autism is a genetic brain disorder. I’m here to tell you that this isn’t true ... Every child with autism has unique genetics, causes or triggers.

Your words lack coherence.

Genes undermine the development of neuronal networks in your brain. They determine our cognitive styles, our preferences to handle, treat and transform information. Genes, and gene unbalance, seem to be at the root of autism and many other disorders.

Furthermore, Autism’s wide spectrum causes seem to be multifactorial, in other words, what may work in some cases (like your recepy), may not work for many others.

Please, let’s think harder about this, as it is a serious and profound matter.

Cordially,

Pedro

Dear @Ali, I have upvoted your answer which was not deserved, as I wanted you to realize that I have not downvoted your answer. I assume that you have earned downvote because such answer (same resource) was given by myself on May, 6th!!! You must read previous answers befor posting new one!

I do agee with previous comments by @Pedro. It is very serious and profound matter which requires deeper engagement.

ASD is a neuro-developmental disorder. So far, we have not been able to identify the bio-marker responsible for the disorder, or to find an effective cure method. The symptoms were somewhat heterogeneous. The principle now is to identify and make an intervention as early as possible, especially regarding the language aspect.

By transplanting stem cells.

I heard that food therapy helped some children. I think because some food contains natural ingredients that affect the brain chemistry.

Curing implies changing. Changing for improvement involves understanding. We must understand autism, cause, where the change is initiated(nerves, chemical balance, DNA, emotional, innate or environmental, blood/sugar- only then can you develop a solution.

Each child is different for the treatment of these children, and the symptoms and the severity of the onset of these symptoms depend on the time of diagnosis, but the most used treatments that have been performed so far and that these children have been effective has been behavioral analysis. Although other treatments have been little affected, but what matters is this It's all about what affects the lives of these children.

Ethical issues cloud case report of unproven stem cell therapy for autism

Undisclosed financial conflicts of interest and a lack of proper clearance mar a new study that injected four autistic children with stem cells from their own bone marrow, bioethicists say.

The study, which was published in October in Frontiers in Pediatrics, did not undergo ethical review and approval by an institutional review board (IRB), a critical step for research involving human participants...

https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/ethical-issues-cloud-case-report-of-unproven-stem-cell-therapy-for-autism/