PROGNOSIS IN AUTISM - DO SPECIALIST TREATMENTS AFFECT LONG-TERM OUTCOME

Many different treatments have been claimed to have a dramatic impact on children with autism. This paper reviews what is known about the ou tcome in adult life and examines the limitations and advantages of a v ariety of intervention approaches. It concludes that there is little e vidence of any ''cure'' for autism, but appropriately structured progr ammes for education and management in the early years can play a signi ficant role in enhancing functioning in later life.