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Prognosis in autism: do specialist treatments affect long-term outcome?

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Abstract

Many different treatments have been claimed to have a dramatic impact on children with autism. This paper reviews what is known about the outcome in adult life and examines the limitations and advantages of a variety of intervention approaches. It concludes that there is little evidence of any “cure” for autism, but appropriately structured programmes for education and management in the early years can play a significant role in enhancing functioning in later life.

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Howlin, P. Prognosis in autism: do specialist treatments affect long-term outcome?. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 6, 55–72 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00566668

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