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  Amaze
  Health Consumer Organisation

  Autism Victoria, trading as Amaze, is a member-based not-for-profit organisation and is the peak body for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the state of Victoria. View profile

  Actually, there is a simple answer to that question: there is no cure for autism.
  
  That is a bitter pill to swallow for many people and this is probably why practitioners who say there is a cure are able to conduct their business. People who say they can cure autism often use anecdotal evidence to back up their claims, but evidence-based treatments are supported by research and scientific evaluation. The better supported treatments generally involve a structured educational or behavioural programme, with support for parents in assisting their children in their day-to-day life.
  
  So, no, there is no cure – but there are many interventions that offer hope that a person with an autism spectrum disorder can learn to work around their symptoms and live a good life. If your niece is under 6 years old, there is a funding programme that supports her family to get access to occupational and speech therapies, and psychology for her. If she is over 6, there are Medicare rebates on therapy that she can claim and the possibility of school funding to support her education.
  
  The treatment for “heavy metal toxicity” to which Nyema refers is called chelation. It is important to note that there is no evidence that children with autism have high levels of heavy metals in their system or that heavy metals cause autism. There is no peer reviewed research on the benefit of chelation therapy for children to treat their autism. There is evidence that the chemicals used in chelation therapy can be dangerous.
  
  It can be hard to navigate the world of therapies and treatments, which is why the Raising Children Network have a collection of fact sheets with objective, evidence-based, easy to read information about all the different options for a person with an autism spectrum disorder (I have linked to it here). Reply to this post  |  Report
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  Nyema Hermiston (Homeopath, Naturopath, Registered Nurse)
  Health Professional

  Nyema has been in 'general practice' treating adults and children for acute and chronic illnesses for over 20 years. She is Vice President of The ... View profile

  There is no simple answer to your question, but there is a lot that can be done to maximise autistic children's functioning, and yes, some children to fully recover. You can see recovery stories on the Australian website www.mindd.org
  Taking a careful history of how the autism developed - was it there from birth, or did it develop after a certain age or illness? The answers to these questions help to guide the treatment. Aside from devlopmental assistance, these children often need help with health issues too. Some testing also helps to shed light on causes, such as seeing if there is heavy metal toxicity. There is much to be done, and the earlier the better. Reply to this post  |  Report
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  Grant McKell (Psychologist)
  Health Professional

  Grant McKell is a counselling psychologist working in Sydney's inner west with over ten years' experience. He founded HeadsUp Psychology in August, 2011. Having worked ... View profile

  To iterate the above, there is no cure as such. But your sister's daughter can still have a full and meaningful life. My son was diagnosed with autism at age 4. He is now aged 8 and is doing very well. What we have done has been:
  

  • having a daily routine
    
  • helping him navigate changes in routine
    
  • promoting a calm and happy home environment
    
  • being patient with him, especially with regards to his obsessions
    
  • we had speech pathology at an eaerly age and occupational therapy. I think this helped enormously with many developmental issues
    
  • being clear with him in our language
    

  
  There is a lovely film clip that you may find gives you some comfort  on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POIJG3qmV9Q
  
  It is made by a teenage boy who has autism and is one of the best explanations of the disorder I have seen.
  
  Also, be guarded against the notion of Autism as a disorder. It is, technically,  a disorder, but with the downsides of the condition can come many very positive and enjoyable traits.
  
  Your response to your niece's diagnosis is an understandable and normal grief response. Take care of yourself during this time and find out a bit about the disorder from the links the other respondents have provided. Hang in there, it's not all bad. I can say that because I've been there.
  
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