Objective: We describe and critically discuss intervention methods that have been used to modify autistic behaviors.
Methods: Early intervention methods, training of social skills, pharmacological treatment and alternative approaches are reviewed in the light of the empirical evidence.
Results: Autism is a persistent and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder for which no cure has been found to date. However, individually composed care and therapies can lead to remarkable quantitative improvement.
Conclusions: Further research is needed to evaluate the true impact of psychological and biological intervention techniques in autistic disorders. Among other things, the therapy studies carried out up to now often lack an adequate diagnostic assessment.