Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a lifelong condition, which leaves many affected by the disorder wondering about the possibility of a cure—if not now, then in the future. Here’s what you need to about the path to an autism cure.

While the earliest signs of autism spectrum disorder often appear during the first year of a child’s life (studies show that one third to half of parents of children with ASD noticed symptoms before their child turned one), not all children with autism are diagnosed this early.