One form of autism, Rett Syndrome, may be curable

Good news for some parents and children dealing with autism: one form of the disorder, Rett syndrome, may be reversible.

Unlike most forms of autism, Rett syndrome does have a known cause -- mutation of the MECP2 gene. But recent research with mice shows that when the MECP2 gene is restored so is normal function and behavior. Of course more research needs to be done to determine if the result is the same in humans as it is in mice, and then to determine just what the treatment might be. But armed with this new knowledge, scientists and doctors can proceed with a much brighter outlook.