MADISON, Wis., Sept. 27 -- Symptoms of autism, including maladaptive behaviors and impaired social interactions, appear to lessen over time in a significant percentage of patients.
In a study of 241 adolescents and adults here and in Massachusetts with autism spectrum disorders, who were followed for nearly five years, many had stable symptoms, but a greater percentage had declines in their levels of autistic symptoms, reported Paul T. Shattuck, Ph.D., M.S.S.W., now at Washington University in St. Louis.
But even with improvement, most of the patients in their sample remained seriously impaired, pointing to a need for continued intervention, the investigators wrote in the October issue of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
"On average, people are getting better," said Dr. Shattuck. "It is a hopeful finding, but the fact remains that those with severe autism will depend on others for their everyday needs and care for the rest of their lives."
