This is the Wrong Question for Three Reasons

#1: The word “cure” is misleading, as our understanding of autism as a “disease” is in its infancy.  We do not know what causes autism, let alone how to medically “cure” it.  Although there has been research noting some possible genetic markers, neurochemical differences, or neuroanatomical abnormalities, these have not been replicated nor have they culminated in a widely accepted disease model of autism. In contrast to most other conditions, with autism there are no well-established biological markers, blood work, or medical symptoms that can be noted during a physical examination. Furthermore, autism is a condition that is diagnosed behaviorally.  

Unfortunately, the word “cure” is used by many and sometime used quite carelessly. The internet and media are replete with stories about individuals who are “cured” from autism after getting Treatment X or Treatment Y; however, these reports are not substantiated by published research.  This can be very confusing for parents of children with autism who are naturally seeking the very best treatments for their child.  Year after year, many members of the media showcase interventions that have never been scientifically tested; and the absence of any supporting research, if mentioned at all, is relegated to a mere footnote.  It is extraordinarily difficult for parents to be comfortable and confident with their existing treatment decisions when they bombarded with reports of interventions that can “cure” their child’s autism.

#2:  I also take issue with the term “managed.”  Effective intervention for persons with autism is not an easy undertaking. It requires much skill, time, and consistency.  Ideally it involves the use of a full array of scientifically validated procedures by qualified providers.   It also involves much effort on the part of the person with autism.  To use the term “manage” implies that people with autism are merely passive recipients of intervention. That could not be further from the truth.  Those of us who have been in the field for many years are inspired by our clients with autism, for their perseverance, hard work, and the many gifts they share. We marvel at the wonderful array of skills that they learn to function more effectively in life, to develop relationships, and to realize their fullest potential.  To say that they are just being “managed” cheapens what they have accomplished.

The term “management” may however, be an appropriate term to use in situations where one is using pharmacological interventions to target specific symptoms.  One speaks of managing pain with various drugs, for instance.  In the case of autism, there are situations where such medical management may be called for, for instance to help control serious self-injury, aggression or anxiety, but in general most autism professionals tend to turn to educational methods as a first line of intervention, as these methods allow the individual himself to exercise control over his or her own behaviors. 

#3 Individuals with autism represent a very heterogeneous clinical population, and autism affects diverse areas of functioning. To say you are either completely cured (even if there is agreement on a definition of cure) or merely managed, detracts from the fact that response to treatment falls along a continuum and is by no means a dichotomous outcome (i.e., either you are cured or you are not cured of autism.).  All positive outcomes should be celebrated, anything less would be doing an injustice to those children with autism who respond well but whose progress is not considered best outcome.