Recently, I was in a chat room for Asperger's Disorder (Asperger's is considered to be a mild form of autism). Someone had written that once diagnosed with an ASD, the person will always have it. I responded that I disagreed, that I had met people who had been cured (at a conference). I also said that while my own son still had Asperger's, he used to have a more severe form of the disorder.

You would have thought that I had personally insulted these people. They vehemently disagreed with me and hinted that I was extremely arrogant to even suggest such a thing. They told me that even if the (formerly autistic) person acts normal, he or she is hiding who they really are and that will lead to more problems down the road. Or maybe they were never really autistic in the first place. They also said that we should love and respect our children just as they are; we shouldn't try to change them, etc.

I didn't disagree with that last part about loving them as they are, but I've always wanted for my son to be happy and healthy, the best that he can be.

What do you think?

Hey Joyce. Before I respond, let me say that you have done an amazing job on this website. It looks great and all the links work!

Now to 'can autism be cured' question. I don't think autism, once diagnosed properly, can be cured presently. I believe that therapies can reduce and sometimes eliminate certain dysfunctions. Strategies and coping skills can help the person conform to main stream life. There are countless examples of persons with autism learning to lead successful lives. However I believe that the root cause, neurological dysfunction, cannot be totally eliminated. But hope springs eternal and the research for a cure may be found. Just like the discovery of the therapies found on this website that improve many ASD issues, there will be new discoveries in the future.

Hi Rose! Thanks for forwarding me the website info, it really looks great...I've already marked it on my "favorites" on internet explorer.

Now, on to the topic. Being fairly new to the world of autism, I'm not 100% sure where I stand. I do believe that with the right type of intensive therapy (what ever works best for that child), and nutritional/supplement intervention, a whole new world can be opened up to some of these kids. I have read of cases where kids have "lost their diagnosis"... does this mean that they are "cured"? Or maybe the fact that they are "indiscernible from their piers" makes them "normal" again. What is normal anyway... do any of us fall into that category? Maybe by just reducing or eliminating certain dysfunctions, these kids can lose their diagnosis... but still be somewhat "quirky". Fortunately, the world is full of so many different types of people, that I'd be more than happy if some day my son fit into that "quirky" category!

For me, I learned quickly not to put too much thought into the label placed on my child. I'm trying to focus on just doing all that I can to provide him with a happy & successful life!

This is a great website, you guys have done a great job. I look forward to visiting it frequently!

You have the right attitude. Your second to the last paragraph says it all.