On World Autism Day: Ten Percent of Autistic Children May Outgrow It

Today, World Autism Day (April is Autism Awareness Month), couldn't be a better time to learn about a new study that concluded 10 percent of children with low-functioning forms of autism may someday outgrow it by adolescence.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at 7,000 autistic children in California from the age of their diagnosis until they turned 14. Ten percent of the children who were, at their diagnosis, ranked with a low-functioning form of autism grew into a high-functioning level of autism. Sixty-three percent of the children studied also had no intellectual disabilities.

There's still a lot to learn about autism, though. According to the CDC, autism affects one in 88 children, so you probably know a child with autism. On World Autism Day, educate yourself with these resources:

• DSM Guidelines Revised to Exclude Asperger's Syndrome
• Read a Parenting Editor's Experience with a Child on the Autism Spectrum
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Health Guide
• 5 Ways You Can Support Autism Awareness and Research
• How the iPad Can Help Kids with Autism
• Find an Autism-Friendly Movie Screening Near You
• Can Your Child Have Autistic Traits Without Having Autism?
• Autism Warning Signs in Babies
• Why an Early Diagnosis of Autism is Crucial
• How to Spot Autism Early
• News About Autism Treatment, Diagnosis and Causes
• Why Formal Autism Screenings at the 18-24 Month Checkups Can Help
• Is My 15-Month-Old Autistic?
• Understanding the Facts About Autism