Is there a Cause & Cure for autism?

In 1943 psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Kanner first identified autism as a condition caused by unloving, cold mothers, referring to them as Refrigerator Mothers. This harsh and vastly inaccurate explanation led to a generation of mothers with tremendous guilt over their child’s disability. Fortunately throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s autism advocates Bruno Bettelheim and Dr. Bernard Rimland helped the medical community better understand the disorder as well as dispel the inaccuracies that parents played any role in the cause of their child’s disability. This helped solidify autism as a biological disorder.

To date, there is no known single cause of autism. Many feel, just as there are multiple severities of autism, there may also be multiple causes. However, it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or function. Many professionals and researchers disagree on how an individual with autism becomes affected. Researchers are currently investigating multiple theories. These include genetic vulnerability, environmental factors, gastrointestinal abnormalities, immune system vulnerability and elevated toxins.

To date, there is no known cure for autism. It is not believed to be outgrown. However, many individuals receiving intense early intervention have shown that, with proper treatment and autism therapy, they can lead full and active lives. Many individuals who received intense treatment are now often indistinguishable to the general public from their typically developing peers. The level of success of the treatment is greatly determined by the individual’s severity, cognitive abilities and possible co-morbid medical factors.

While early intervention is ideal, individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum have shown remarkable improvements with proper intervention through autism therapy and autism treatment. Here in Utah, mildly affected individuals are often not identified until adolescence or early adulthood.

Autism Journeys provides intense, individualized treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related delays. Autism Journeys serves individuals of all ages.