Autism can occur by itself or in association with other developmental disorders such as mental retardation, learning disabilities, epilepsy, etc. Autism is best considered as a disability on a continuum from mild to severe. The number of handicaps and degree of mental retardation will determine the location on that continuum. It is important to distinguish autism from mental retardation or other disorders since diagnostic confusion may result in referral to inappropriate and ineffective treatment techniques. Yes, autism is treatable.
Studies show that all people who have autism can improve significantly with proper instruction.
Many individuals with autism eventually become more responsive to others as they learn to understand the world around them. Through specially trained teachers, using specially structured programs that emphasize individual instruction, persons with autism can learn to function at home and in the community. Some can lead nearly normal lives. In general, individuals with autism perform best at jobs which are structured and involve a degree of repetition. Some people who have autism are working as artists, piano tuners, painters, farm workers, office workers, computer operators, dishwashers, assembly line workers, or competent employees of sheltered workshops or other sheltered work settings.