Media response: the Dore Programme

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14th January 2008

Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, affecting over half a million people in the UK. There is, at present, no known cure, but the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to peoples lives. Without such support, autism can have a profound sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families, so it is crucial that families and individuals can access appropriate advice and services.

We warmly welcome research into approaches which may benefit people living with autism. The results reported by the Dore Programme may offer hope to families. However, everyone with autism is different and an intervention or therapy that helps one person might not be effective for another. Indeed, some people with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome may feel that they do not want or need 'treating' in this way and prefer to see the condition as part of their individual personalities. We look forward to seeing further scientific evaluation of the programme.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has helped to establish Research Autism, an independent charity set up to raise funds and commission research into effective therapies and interventions for autism. Other potentially effective approaches include communication based therapies, behavioural techniques, diet, supplements and medication. It is crucial that all these approaches are rigorously evaluated so that parents have access to quality information about what may be of benefit to their individual child.

Benet Middleton, Director of Communications

Related resources

Relevant areas/articles elsewhere on this website

• Is there a 'cure'?
  

External links

• Research Autism