Understanding of autism has grown tremendously since Dr. Leo Kanner first described it in 1943. Some of the earlier searches for "cures" now seem unrealistic in terms of today's understanding of brain-based disorders. To cure means, "to restore to health, soundness, or normality." In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the brain, which result in autism. However, better understanding of the disorder has led to the development of better coping mechanisms and strategies for the various manifestations of the disability.
 
Some of these symptoms may lessen as the child ages; others may disappear altogether. With appropriate intervention, many of the associated behaviors can be positively changed; even to the point in some cases, that the child or adult may appear to the untrained person to no longer have autism. The majority of children and adults will, however, continue to exhibit some manifestations of autism to some degree throughout their entire lives.

What is the prognosis?
Our children's symptoms are a result of the confusion and difficulties that they experience in adapting to a world that makes little sense to them. Our understanding of their point of view, our gentle teaching and support will help them grow and to experience the world as a safer place.
 
Symptoms usually begin to show when these children are between 12 and 30 months. Symptoms may change over the years and of course all children, including children with autism, learn as they grow.
However, there is no cure for PDD or autism. These children must grow and develop with the challenges of their disability.
 
Some never outgrow their need for close supervision. Others will need ongoing supervision but will achieve some independence. A few will adapt to society well needing only a little more guidance and support than the average person. Some will experience most of the symptoms of autism throughout their lives, while others will experience a lessening of many or most of their challenging problems.
 
The PDD diagnosis is much newer, so less is known about prognosis. Doctors believe that while some will continue to require close supervision, more will achieve independence with support and some may be able to adapt successfully to society.
 
While a prognosis can give a general idea of what to expect, it cannot tell you what a child will not achieve.

References:
Dr. Christopher Gillberg, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Conference. Autism: Emerging Issues in Prevalence and Etiology. 1997
 
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed., (DSM-IV). American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC. 1994.