Therapy shows promise in reversing autism symptoms: Study

ST. LOUIS — A study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine about twin girls claims the therapy reversed symptoms of severe autism. The condition affects how people communicate and interact with others. The author of the study tells the Daily Telegraph that one patient’s symptoms were, “reversed to the point of being indistinguishable from children who had never had a history of autism symptoms.”

The children were diagnosed with the condition when they were almost 2-years-old. Their parents worked with many doctors and specialists to help their daughters. They made significant changes to the girls’ diet, gave them special vitamins, and had them do different kinds of therapy.

The girls had therapy to help with their behavior, speech, and body movements. One twin even saw a special doctor who worked on her head and neck. Their parents made their home healthier by improving the air quality. The girls also went to play groups and later to preschool to practice being around other kids. All these different treatments, chosen specially for each girl, helped reduce their autism symptoms over time.

After about two years of these treatments, both girls showed improvements. They got much better at talking, making eye contact, and playing with others. Their autism symptoms became much less severe.

The doctors used a special test called ATEC to measure how much the girls improved. Both girls’ scores on this test got much better over time. One twin’s score went from 76 to 32, and the other twin’s score went from 43 to 4. Lower scores mean fewer autism symptoms.

By the time they were 4 years old, both girls were doing very well. They were able to go to preschool and play with other kids. How much they had improved surprised the doctors.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.