Last month I introduced you to the definition of autism and how it is diagnosed. This column focuses on treatment and future directions.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Max, 4, and Archer Bane, 14.

How is autism treated?

Early intervention is essential because studies show that intensive early intervention (preferably before age 3) has the most dramatic impact on symptoms of autism. These interventions include speech and behavioral therapy. We are blessed in Pitt County to have a school system that values exceptional children's needs and has wonderful programs for all ages. We also have many state and recreational programs as well as private therapists to provide care for children with autism in the county.

In addition to traditional therapy, many families have also used biomedical treatment for their children. My son started making eye contact and using words three weeks after starting a gluten-free and casein (dairy)-free diet. His severe eczema and diarrhea improved at the same time. Several other therapies have been found to be helpful, and more information can be obtained about these by contacting Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctors, physicians who specialize in biomedical treatment of autism.

Is there hope?

Absolutely! When Max was first diagnosed at age 2½, I remember my son Archer asking me if there was a cure. I told him, "No, honey." Today, after learning about autism and the promising research, I would change that answer. Many believe as I do that some children can recover from autism and return to good health. While there may not be a cure, some children improve so much that the symptoms are no longer evident, though they still may have social and educational needs that occur throughout life.

Where do we go from here?

• Learn more about autism. Given the prevalence, odds are you will encounter a friend or family member that has a child with autism. Great resources include:

— The Autism Kit from the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org);

— Autism Research Institute;

— Defeat Autism Now;

— The local, state and national autism societies.

• Listen to your intuition. If your child is not hitting developmental milestones and you feel like there is just something wrong, discuss this with your health-care provider. The doctor side of my brain knew Max behaved differently than my other children (he did not like me to read to him, did not wave bye, did not make great eye contact and did the "River Dance" — flapping his hands and kicking his feet — when he got excited). The Mom side of me saw a little boy who loved to hug, cuddle and wrestle. I thought kids with autism did not like touch. I was wrong. Some children, like Max, need deep pressure and enjoy the sensation of touch while others find touch painful.

• Follow your intuition. If your child gets testing and does not meet the criteria for autism, you will be reassured. If he or she does, then early intervention results in the best chance for recovery and you will be on your way.

• Educate yourself about vaccinations. Max's developmental pediatiatrician, Dr. Mary Megson, has treated children with autism for 25 years. She says, "While no one wants to return to the epidemics of measles, pertussis or polio, we do need to better understand the interaction of vaccines and autism." Max regressed after his 15-month vaccines. We do not want our children to get preventable diseases, but if you have concerns about the current vaccine schedule, talk to your child's health-care provider about it.

• Support Autism Causes:

— Write letters to your insurance companies requesting they cover medical issues related to autism and other mental health conditions;

— Write your legislatures to support autism research;

— Support the Greenville Autism Society and North Carolina Autism Society with fundraisers and programs offered in the community (www.autismsociety-nc.org).

Dr. Susan Bane is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Greenville OB/GYN, a division of Physicians East, and an adjunct professor in East Carolina University's Department of Exercise and Sport Science.

Greenville Autism Local Association (GALA), for parents of children with autism, meets at 6 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 307 Martinsborough Road. Call 756-5562.