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Chicago: Study finds autism therapy benefits toddlers

Ashton Faller (right), 5, plays Uno with his father, Darren Faller (center), and his brother Andrew Faller, 15, on Sunday at their home in Everett, Wash. Marcus R. Donner / Associated Press

By Associated Press
Published: 11/30/2009 2:32 AM
Last Modified: 11/30/2009 6:29 AM

The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found that 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 that it has been expanded to several other sites, said Geraldine Dawson, the chief science officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks.

Early autism treatment has been getting more attention, but it remains controversial because of a lack of rigorous evidence to show that it really works. The study is thus "a landmark of great import," said Tony Charman, an autism education specialist at the Institute of Education in London.

The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study, which was published online Monday in Pediatrics.

Children ages 18 months to 30 months were randomly assigned to receive behavior treatment called the Early Start Denver model, or they were referred for less comprehensive care.

Ashton Faller of Everett, Wash., got specialized treatment, starting at age 2.

Within two years, he had made "amazing" gains, his mother, Lisa Faller, said. Now almost 6, he still has mild delays in social skills, but people have a hard time believing he is autistic, she said. By Associated Press

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