ABSTRACT
Let me just start by telling you that Elizabeth is "cured" of autism. I use "cured" in quotes, not because she got over a dread disease, but because she no longer qualifies for services because her speech is age-appropriate, her practical living skills are strong, and her social skills are only slightly delayed—and her academic abilities are far above grade level. She falls into that group of children whose mothers, doctors, and others claim are "cured" of or "recovered from" autism. Of course, she received a tremendous amount of therapy, we provide an intensive amount of coaching in a structured home environment, and she works very hard to master tasks that are set before her. Is autism gone? No, but we can live with it now.
