RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE
Recovery from autism is a controversial topic and one that many in the autism field would rather not discuss. At CARD, we have seen recovery for decades, and we make it happen for some of the children we treat. We are not the only providers achieving these results; treatment providers all over the country who have been providing top-quality, intensive ABA treatment for 25 - 40 hours per week for two or more years have been recovering children for years.
DEFINING RECOVERY
One reason the topic of recovery is controversial is that people have different definitions of exactly what recovery means.
At CARD, when we say a child has recovered from autism, we
mean the child no longer displays clinically significant impairments related to autism.
In other
words, there is nothing left to treat, and the child is doing fine.
We measure recovery from autism in three main ways:
- The individual scores in the average range or higher on valid standardized tests of intelligence, language, socialization, and daily living skills;
- The individual is earning passing grades in a regular education classroom, with no specialized supports; and
- The individual is evaluated by a medical doctor or psychologist who is an expert in diagnosing autism, and the clinician’s conclusion is that the child no longer qualifies for
a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
More scientifically rigorous research is still needed on recovery from autism — and that research is currently underway here at CARD and at other centers — but the evidence currently available strongly supports recovery. Every published study on the outcomes of behavioral intervention for children with autism that included a control group, started treatment before the age of 5, implemented more than 25 hours per week of treatment, and continued treatment for two or more years, reported that at least some of the participants achieved functioning in the average range on at least some of their outcome measures.In most of these studies, some percentage of the children achieved average functioning on all of the outcomes.
While there is no guarantee that any treatment in the world can produce recovery from autism,
if a child is receiving intensive, top-quality ABA treatment, there is a chance of recovery. We know we won’t achieve it in every case, but at the very least, the child will learn many useful life skills. We are not removing their unique perspectives on life or their unique personalities, and we are not trying to make anyone “normal”; we don’t even believe in normal. We are simply teaching skills, providing tools, and creating opportunity. Even if most children will not fully recover from autism, they still deserve the best treatment possible to enable them to learn the most they can and equip them to reach their fullest potential.
RECOVERED : JOURNEYS THROUGH THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND BACK
Four families driven by hope — One organization helped them overcome the odds.
This 2-disc set includes over 60 minutes of special features designed to educate families who are navigating the world of autism and autism treatment.
An amazing must-see documentary about four children who have recovered from autism, the film presents documentation of therapy sessions, along with interviews of the children as teenagers, their parents, therapists, and the founder/executive director of CARD.
Their combined stories illuminate both their struggles and triumphs while providing hope to families of newly diagnosed children that recovery is, indeed, possible. Each child received services from CARD, including assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training, and one-to-one behavioral therapy.
Get DVD today!
PORTRAITS OF HOPE
At CARD, we believe in adding value through measurable results.
Nothing motivates us more than seeing positive outcomes in the families and individuals whom we treat. Our goal is to provide our clients with the treatment that they need, expand their opportunities to achieve their full potential, and help them lead happy, independent lives.
Using scientifically proven approaches and state-of-the-art technology, we have the tools to ensure that our clients receive the treatment they need to achieve their own goals. It’s a privilege to work with these fantastic families and hear their stories of overcoming challenges.
We’d like to share their stories in their own words because we know that this MISSION IS POSSIBLE. These are the portraits of hope that continue to inspire us, and we hope that they will inspire you, too.
Logan
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Mild-Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 19 months
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- March 2003
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 15 to start, Up to 35 in first year, down to 10-15 during last year
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- Saying his first word at 23 months old, having a best friend, having his ASD DX removed from his medical chart by his pediatrician in October 2010
- MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Mainstreamed for his entire school career, playing drums in bands with adults, kicking autism's butt
- HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Playing drums in a band, singing, Tae Kwon Do, mastering video games, ruling Instagram, reading Wimpy Kid books and chasing girls
Maddy
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 2 years and 1 month
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- Began using Skills in November 2010 at 2.5 years old
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 30 hours
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- We started our ABA program in September and in October, she reached out and asked me to hold her hand. I knew then. She would never let anyone hold her hand let alone ask for it! Her tiny little voice said to me after an ABA session, "Hold hand" and she slipped her hand into mine. I knew ABA was working.
- MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Maddy is 5 years old now and she is in Kindergarten. She spent the last 2 years mainstreamed in preschool.
- HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Dress up! Maddy loves to play dress up and she loves to be Disney's Belle! She also loves Polly Pockets and My Little Ponies! She is a very social child so she loves to playgrounds! She finds a new friend at every single one of them. In the winter, she goes dog sledding with our family.
AJ
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 13 months
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- July 2007
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 40 hours
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- The first time AJ said, “Mommy, I love you.”
Kyle
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 18 months
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- July, 2005
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 35 hours
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- At 3½, Kyle went from three or four-word sentences to sentences of ten to twelve words.
- MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Gifted student, in honors class, won 1st place in horseback riding, won trophy for surfing, reads five grades above his grade level
- HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Surfing, skateboarding, swimming, tennis, horses, reading, architecture, Legos, and building stuctures
Jack Riley & Nick
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 3 ¾
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- April, 2011
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 25 hours
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- During an early ABA session, Jack Riley’s therapist was withholding markers from him until he identified which color he wanted to use. Coloring was his favorite activity at the time, but he never had to EARN the opportunity to do it. He screamed and cried and ran away from the therapist, furious about not getting access to the markers. Then, in the midst of his tears and misery, he said it: “Boo” (Blue). Ahh yes, “boo.” We may be on to something here.
- MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Becoming potty trained, making friends, beginning to engage in a conversation with follow-up questions, learning to read and spell words and then Googling them to find related videos
- HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Using his computer and iPad, playing with Legos, and watching movies
Ethan
- DIAGNOSIS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AGE AT DIAGNOSIS:
- 2
- BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD:
- November, 2005
- ABA HOURS PER WEEK:
- 30-40 hours
- MAJOR MILESTONES:
- When he began making more eye contact and connecting emotionally with us, as well as the reduction in aggressive behavior and no longer requiring a therapist to shadow him at school
- MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Recovery at age six
- HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Basketball, tap dancing, gymnastics, and acting
