A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health suggests that autism may not be a lifelong condition, as currently thought.
According to BBC News, a team at the University of Connecticut studied 112 children, ranging from children diagnosed with autism early in childhood though general education peers. Researchers found that for a portion of those children diagnosed with autism during early childhood, test results were "indistinguishable from their classroom peers." The children did not show any sign of problems with language, face recognition, communication, or social interaction.
Researchers also compared those children with those diagnosed as "high functioning" autism. Whe the children had more mild social deficits than their high-functioning peers, they did have other behaviors that were similar, such as repetitive behaviors.
The researchers noted that there are several possible explanations for the findings. Some children may outgrow the condition, while others may learn to compensate for autism-related difficulties. Researchers also noted that the diagnosis of autism is not generally lost over time, and those with autism need support throughout their lives.
The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, is not conclusive, and experts urge caution, noting much more work needs to be done to verify the findings.
For more information on autism, visit Autism Speaks or Kids Health.
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