I reported on autism and often heard this from reputable sources. The info might calm conspiracy buffs, though doubtful. Especially the parents of children with autism--and the media. In the late '90s, news reports spread word of some hormone found in pigs that "cured" autism. Researchers quickly debunked it, but the rumor still flew around parent circles. The desperate are understandably open to sometimes-wild theories.

This story is good news. Early evidence-based treatment works well, according to many in the know. Still, at least in most U.S. states, public resources for children with autism are often lacking. And that usually only worsens when they reach adulthood and find insufficient funding, long wait lists and rough competition for the help that is available.