( Everyday Life with Autism )

A new resarch in the Time magazine hinting to a new therapy that didn’t get the chance it deserves to be tested. Some researchers believe that with “time”  some autistic individuals grow out of autism. Deborah Fein lead a research in the University of Connecticut including 34 individuals ranging from 8 to 21 year-old who have matured out the signs of autism. They were compared  to a group of 44 who didn’t lose their symptoms. Both groups have received same treatment. In school the first group did not need a one-on-one assistance, neither further social-skills training. What else than time can be accounted for this change?

Remember that with time the brain keeps developing and adjusting to the environment and society. In addition, everyday experiences and education continue to refine and shape the human mind/brain and behavior. That’s why my mantra will always be: “Children with autism are teachable and trainable.”

I deeply and confidently believe in “time therapy”. Don’t we ourselves when feeling helpless say: “Time is the best healer.” It always worked for me.

Give time a chance, have faith that autism is not engraved in the brain. Nobody even knows, at this point in time, what really causes autism. Consider time as your new/additional therapy. It won’t harm. That doesn’t mean you have to stop whatever therapy your are pursuing now.

My tip to parents would be: Take advantage of every single day of your life to lead your child one step forward. There is always hope. Parents persistence in helping their child will yield the best outcome.

Resource: Time magazine, February 4, 2013, page 16, Aging Out of Autism

nadia shanab

Tags: autism, communication, flexibility, social interaction, time therapy