New research is helping to explain why breakthroughs can occur when autistic children undergo intensive education programs. According to this Associated Press story, six new genes have been linked to involvement in autism.

The good news is that the research published in today's edition of the journal Science found that the genes weren't necessarily missing in children with autism spectrum disorders. They were merely turned off, so to speak, instead of processing experiences that help a child's brain develop normally. In some cases, experts believe, intense therapy can get those genes working again.