Behavioral therapy successful in autistic children

The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found two years of therapy can vastly improve symptoms, often resulting in a milder diagnosis. The study was small — just 48 children evaluated at the University of Washington — but the results were so encouraging it has been expanded to several other sites.

The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study was published in Pediatrics. Children aged 18 months to 30 months were randomly assigned to receive behavior treatment focusing on social interaction and communication — which are both difficult for many autistic children. Children in the specialized group had four hours of therapist-led treatment five days a week, plus at least five hours weekly from parents.

After two years, IQ increased an average of almost 18 points in the specialized group, versus seven points in the others. Language skills also improved more in the specialized group. Almost 30 percent in the specialized group were re-diagnosed with a less severe form of autism after two years, versus 5 percent of the others. No children were considered "cured."

The treatment is expensive; participants didn't pay, but it can cost $50,000 a year. Some states require insurers to cover such costs, and Autism Speaks is working to expand those laws.

Bonnie - behavioral therapy is very important for treating autism. ADD/ADHD drug makers would kill for these kind of results.