The proportion of children with autism has increased dramatically over the last several decades. The CDC estimates that 1 out of every 68 American youngsters could be diagnosed as belonging on the autism spectrum. While most parents assume that this disorder is irreversible, there are some children who no longer fit the diagnostic criteria after early, intensive intervention.

Find out how early intervention can help achieve an optimal outcome for a child on the autism disorder spectrum. What treatments make a difference?

We talk with a psychologist who has studied kids overcoming autism, with a parent whose son Jake was able to reverse his diagnosis of autism and with a therapist who explains how applied behavior analysis (ABA) works.

Deborah Fein, PhD, is the UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut. She is also head of the clinical division in the department of psychological sciences and professor in the department of pediatrics in the School of Medicine. Her forthcoming book (December, 2015) is The Activity Kit for Babies and Toddlers at Risk: How to Use Everyday Routines to Build Social and Communication Skills.  The photo is of Dr. Fein.

Karen Siff Exkorn is founder and CEO of Speak On, a division of her corporate training company KAS Consulting Inc. Her book is The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping and Healing–From A Mother Whose Child Recovered. The Autism Sourcebook 

Rebecca MacDonald, PhD, BCBA-D, is a licensed psychologist and board-certified applied behavior analyst. She is the Senior Program Director at The New England Center for Children, Inc.  https://www.necc.org/

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