A study of behavior treatment in autistic children has found that early intervention, as early as 18 months, can improve the symptoms of the disorder and even result in a better diagnosis.
The study underscores the emerging theory that early intervention can really help autistic children and that early treatment may provide big benefits.
The study only studied 48 children but was so encouraging that it is being expanded. The children were between the ages of 18-30 months.
Some of the children were randomly assigned to receive behavior treatment called the Early Start Denver model from therapists and parents, which focused on social interaction and communication.
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."
Experts are calling for continued research and autism education.
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