You raise a very good point, because the "terrible twos" are arguably the first real declaration of independence we make in life. The frustration of realizing that we have almost no control over our environment or what happens to us! While 2-year-olds are far from self-sufficient, parents and caregivers can still empower them to make little decisions like apple juice or orange juice, this story or that one, etc. Could that help forestall some of the more worrisome symptoms of autism? Maybe not, but it's worth a try, and certainly much cheaper than mortgaging your home to pay for intensive therapy!