[Can we cure autism? From outcome to intervention]

Outcome in autism is variable but with a significant trend toward a poor prognosis and despite reports that outcome in individuals with autism may be improving secondary to early intensive interventions there is still much to be learned about the natural history and the effects of intervention in autism spectrum disorders. While there may not be a known cure for autism, there are a number of viable treatment options available. The primary models of treatment are non pharmacological interventions that include intervention models such as applied behavior analysis and developmental and structured teaching. The role of pharmacological interventions is limited to treating specific symptoms that may be interfering with a child's ability to learn or function within a particular environment. The question of whether or not we can cure autism needs to be discussed in terms of the need to overcome the as of yet poorly understood fundamental disturbance in autism and the need to develop treatment protocols specifically targeting social deficits. At the present time, it is more appropriate to speak of our quest to understand autism than it is to speak of a cure.