What are your thoughts on autism causes and treatments?

To those of you that have experience with autism: I have heard a number of things reguarding the cause and treatment options of Autistic children. What are your thoughts?

I've heard about the whole vaccine contributes to autism theory. I'm not sure how I feel about it. If I were a mother, I think I'd rather my child be vaccinated against disease and be on the safe side. I don't have kids, only spend a lot of time with dogs and puppies, but I have seen dozens of them die from diseases that could have been prevented if their previous owners had gotten them puppy vaccines. Ok I'm on a tangent, but I am not a scientist, so I don't know the potential for autism to develop from vaccines, so my opinion is not scientifically based.

From what I understand, the debate is reguarding whether or not preservatives in vaccinations are the cause, or if it is genetic, and onset is circumstantial to time of vaccinations. I have heard lots of good things about special diets (Jenny McCarthy's crusade) and vitamin regiminsd, that have done wonders for advancement in personal progress of autistic children, but the FDA won't recognize it.