autism," said Dr. Robert Hendren, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at UCSF. "We're always thinking about what else we can try. What else we can do that might help these kids. We have a responsibility to leave no stone unturned."
Much of the research into treatments for autism is based on anecdotal evidence, Hardan said. Doctors often hear of reports from parents who try one trick or another to help ease symptoms in their children, and if something sounds promising, they'll test the treatment in a scientific study.
"I meet with a lot of parents, and they support our research. But some of them, they want something this afternoon, not tomorrow," Hardan said. "And I understand that, it's very frustrating. But that's science. It takes time."
What is autism?
Autism, which usually appears before age 3, is one of a group of developmental problems that generally affect three key areas: social interaction, language and behavior. While there is no cure, early treatment can make a difference.
Causes: Autism has no single, known cause and probably has many. These may include genetic problems that can make a child more susceptible to the disorder or worsen symptoms. Environmental factors may also contribute.
Symptoms: Children with autism show unique patterns of behavior, but common symptoms include delayed development, poor eye contact, failure to hear others, resistance to close contact and unawareness of others' feelings.
Source: Mayo Clinic