The most appropriate age to begin treatment of autism is between 3 to 6 years of age. During this period of time, children have few ingrained habits and their brains are developing rapidly and it may be relatively easier to prevent  or correct autistic behavior.  It may be more diificult to correct or improve autistic behavior if therapy is not started to this early period of development.

Early diagnosis of autism is an important area of research for autism specialists. Early intervention is recommended, but the outcome depends on the individual patient, because of the severity of autistic behavior can vary from child to child.   It is critically important that the parents of a child with autism become educated about the illness and attend support groups, since it is the parents who have the constant contact with the child and can aid in communication and reinforcing appropriate behavior. 

 Autistic children have difficulty communicating with others,  and they may not be able to express their desire and needs with language.  For example, if the child wants to drink some water, he may pull the parent to the drinking fountain, and if he can accomplish this task without speaking, he may become even more withdrawn.  The parent, family member, or therapist has to have the patience to help the autistic child develop these critical communication skills. Parents can also help learn how to help modify autistic behaviors.  The child with autism needs to learn appropriate behavior and this will take the patience and cooperation of a "team approach". This team may include a therapist, and multiple family members who communicate clearly what is acceptable behavior and reward that behavior with positive feedback, both verbally as well as nonverbally, including the love and security of physical contact.       

Through early diagnosis and intervention, most children with autism can learn to become highly functional and productive members of society.