Who Can Outgrow or Recover From Autism?

A New Study Sparks Debate About Early Diagnosis and Calls for Further Research Into Why Some Improve

Jake Exkorn, playing soccer at camp in Maine, was diagnosed with autism at age 2, but by 4, he no longer had it, his mother says. | Camp Micah

By SHIRLEY S. WANG

Evidence is growing for a notion long observed by doctors and parents: Some children with autism appear to grow out of their symptoms and recover fully.

The reasons aren't entirely clear, but a recent study adds to the body of scientific work suggesting some autistic people get better. Led by a team from the University of Connecticut, researchers last week reported that they had identified 34 people who had all been diagnosed with autism by age 5 but years later were indistinguishable from peers on language, socialization and communication skills.

The individuals, ranging from 8 to 21 years old, had originally been diagnosed by autism specialists or other trained doctors. MORE >