Scientists have discovered that severe autism can be reversed and symptoms can be reduced to a level where they are no longer distinguishable.
Two non-identical twin girls in the US were diagnosed at 20 months of age with a level of autism requiring “very substantial support.”
In a groundbreaking study, their parents worked with a team of medical experts to develop a tailor-made two-year intervention program to help the children grow and thrive.
Scientists say the program was successful and that both girls experienced “dramatic improvements” in the severity of their symptoms.
The progress of one of the girls, described only as Twin P, was heralded as “something of a miracle” by one of the pediatricians. Twin P scored a 43 out of 180 on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scale in March 2022, and this had been reduced to just a four by October 2023.
“The symptoms of one of the twins were so reversed that they were indistinguishable from children who had never previously had autism symptoms,” Dr Chris D’Adamo, author of the study from the University of Maryland, told The Telegraph.
“These twins’ functions are similar to those of twins who have never had an autism diagnosis.”
The other girl, known as Twin L, had a more severe form of autism when she was 20 months old, with a score of 76. A year and a half later, this had been reduced to 32.
“[This twin] “There has been a dramatic improvement, but not that much,” said Dr. D’Adamo.
Improvements that probably cannot be undone
The scientists don’t use the term “cure,” but believe the improvements are likely irreversible over time.
“Because autism is a developmental disorder, it is safe to say that once they have overcome the developmental aspects of autism and returned to a typical developmental trajectory, they are very unlikely to exhibit the common symptoms of autism again,” said Dr. D’Adamo.
“Symptoms that may come back may be more along the lines of anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, sensory issues, but not necessarily the behavioral aspects of autism.”
The twins underwent behavioral analysis, speech therapy and a strict gluten-free diet and nutritional program as part of the study to reduce inflammation.
The diet consisted of casein-free (a protein found in milk), low sugar, no artificial colors or dyes, no highly processed foods, mainly organic food and local produce.
The girls also received daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins, vitamin D, carnitine and other substances.
‘No single remedy to reverse symptoms’
In the study, published in the MDPI journal Sexes, the anonymous parents write that they knew there would be no “single cure” to reverse the symptoms and that the program instead focused on easing the “overall burden” on the children.
“Despite sharing similar genes and identical conception, pregnancy, birth experience, and postnatal factors—and benefiting from consistent parenting, home environment, and family dynamics—each daughter presented with a completely unique ASD diagnosis,” they write.
“Conventional statistics have greatly undermined the chances of recovery for a child with an ASD diagnosis.
“Our approach was therefore focused on taking an unconventional, holistic understanding of each daughter’s individual needs, investigating the root cause and designing tailor-made support.
“We have committed to being closely involved in all the interventions we have explored, to inform ourselves and to advocate for what we believe is best for our children.
“Most importantly, as parents, we have the desire to create and maintain a deep and loving bond with each of our daughters. And to remain parents, not practitioners.
“Thanks to this approach, we have seen the radical recovery of a daughter who today presents herself as a cheerful, engaged, energetic and exceptionally intelligent four-year-old.
“We remain steadfast in our support for our other daughter, whose progress has also continually amazed us and reminded us that recovery is possible at everyone’s own pace.”
The case study is published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.