‘Super-parenting’ is the first therapy ‘that actually helps BEAT autism’
Study found there to be a 27 per cent less chance of severe autism with talk therapy
MORE talking from mums and dads helps kids beat autism for the first time, a major study has proven for the first time.
Until now, no treatment has been shown to improve the condition.
But when experts taught parents how to boost communication with their autistic child - from as early as the age of two - the results were “remarkable”.
It coaxed kids out of their shells and reduced the hallmark symptoms of the disorder – such as poor social skills and repetitive behaviour.
And the improvements were still evident six years on.
The Lancet study showed kids given the therapy were 27 per cent less likely to develop severe symptoms than untreated youngsters.
Experts said it was not about “poor” parenting - but turning mums and dads into “super” parents.
They said the findings suggest the earlier the treatment start, the better - and called for the scheme to be rolled out across the NHS.
Autism affects around 1 in 100 Brits – and causes problems with social communication and interaction.
Lead researcher Professor Jonathan Green, from the University of Manchester, said: “We have shown this therapy delivered preschool has had this sustained reduction in autism symptom severity right through to…almost teenage years.
“Such a long lasting effect in an intervention after it is finished is pretty remarkable...and certain the first time it has been shown in autism.
“This is not a ‘cure’, in the sense that the children who demonstrated improvements will still show remaining symptoms to a variable extent.”
It is the largest study looking at the effectiveness of a treatment of autism.
Researchers tracked 152 families for over six years, starting when children were aged around three.
The majority suffered from severe autism, and struggled to talk with their parents or leave the house.
Therapists supported half the mums and dads over 12 months to help boost communication with their kids.
It involved daily 30 minute play sessions.
Six years on the cases of severe autism fell among the coached group from 55 per cent to 46 per cent over six years.
But in those not given the therapy, this percentage went up from 50 to 63 per cent.
Experts think boosting communication between parents and children helps them transfer these skills to the wider world.
Another theory is that it changes the way the brain develops.
Researcher Professor Tony Charman, from King’s College London, said: “Our findings suggest that sustained changes in autism symptoms are possible after early intervention, something that has previously been regarded as difficult to achieve.”
Other experts were impressed by the results.
Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development at UCL, said: “It is a remarkably positive story.”