Never say never. I've seen it. I've been a part of it. Persons with autism do go to college, have successful careers and meaningful lives.
Just as with anybody else, their definition of successful and meaningful may be different from yours, but they can overcome autism. They can improve to a position where they are no longer diagnosable, but there is likely to be other issues such as anxiety and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Erik Weber is the first student with autism to graduate from Cal Western School of Law. He passed the bar the first time he took it and plans to practice special education law.
When Erik was 3, he was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism. Parents were told to institutionalize him. They would have none of that.
Mother took videos of him and used them as a teaching tool. Erik responded positively to visual learning.
Mom got involved in a local campaign and took Erik door-to-door with her to teach him about first impressions.
It's hard to know "what will work". Keep trying.
Claudia
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