While researchers and other professionals are seeking the cause(s) of
autism, children with autism and their families need help. Autism is
incurable (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
[NICHD], 2008), therefore, it can create serious challenges for families
and represents a crisis for society (CDC, 2010). Research shows that early
diagnosis and early, appropriate intervention can positively impact chil-
dren with autism and assist them in mastering as many adaptive behaviors
as possible (Carothers & Taylor, 2004).