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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
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Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
Published on: October 3, 2018
Can children with autism recover? If so, how?
Molly Helt1, Elizabeth Kelley, Marcel Kinsbourne
1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268, USA. molly.helt@uconn.edu
Neuropsychology Review
|November 15, 2008
Summary
Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may lose their diagnosis. Favorable predictors include early intervention and strong language skills, while behavioral therapies show promise for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically considered a lifelong condition.
- Evidence suggests a subset of children may no longer meet diagnostic criteria.
- Understanding factors influencing recovery is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the rate of ASD diagnosis loss.
- To identify predictors of recovery in children with ASD.
- To explore potential mechanisms and effective interventions for recovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting ASD diagnosis loss.
- Analysis of factors associated with recovery (e.g., cognitive, linguistic, motor skills).
- Examination of treatment modalities, particularly behavioral techniques.
Main Results:
- Reported rates of losing ASD diagnosis range from 3% to 25%.
- Favorable predictors include higher intelligence, receptive language, imitation skills, and early intervention.
- Behavioral interventions are associated with higher recovery rates; seizures and intellectual disability are unfavorable.
- Residual challenges may include higher-order communication and attention deficits; comorbidities like tics and depression can persist.
Conclusions:
- Recovery from an ASD diagnosis is possible for a significant minority of children.
- Early diagnosis, targeted therapies, and specific developmental strengths are key indicators.
- Further research into mechanisms and optimized interventions can improve outcomes for children with ASD.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
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Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
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01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
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01:17Classification of Illness
The meaning of illness is individualized to each person who experiences an alteration in health. In contrast, disease is a medical term indicating a pathological change in the structure and function of the body or mind. It is a condition that has specific symptoms and boundaries.
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
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Acute illness is severe and...
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
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01:21Behavior Modification
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
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