Autism Program

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that includes a range of communication and behavioral differences that impact the way children interact with others. These differences can vary from mild to complex.

Autism Characteristics and Behaviors

Children with autism may have:

  • Different ways of communicating
  • Diverse ways of playing or interacting with others
  • Repetitive behaviors including body movements or speech/language patterns
  • Sensitivities to, or interest in, sensory input (for example, noises, lights or textures)
  • Difficulties adapting to change in routine or new environments

People on the autism spectrum are more likely to have other medical, neurodevelopmental, behavioral and/or psychiatric conditions. Approximately 1 in 5 children on the autism spectrum will have a diagnosable genetic condition such as Fragile X syndrome, Angelman’s syndrome, Landau-Kleffner syndrome and tuberous sclerosis. Children with autism are also more likely to have other medical symptoms including gastrointestinal and feeding problems, sleep disorders, epilepsy, asthma, skin conditions and autoimmune disorders. Children on the autism spectrum are also more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, anxiety and depression.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you think your child may have autism or other developmental delays or differences, we encourage you to talk to your child’s primary care provider. Autism specific screenings performed by primary care providers are recommended for all children at several well-child visits, including at 18- and 24-months. If you are unsure if your child has been screened for autism, we recommend that you ask your child’s primary care provider.

When you talk to your child’s primary care provider, we encourage you to ask whether hearing and/or vision screening would be helpful for your child. If you believe your child may be deaf or your child is not babbling by 6 months or saying a single word by 1 year of age, then you should request a hearing test. If your child passed their newborn hearing screening, but you are still concerned, you should request an additional hearing test.

Based on your conversation, your child’s primary care provider will decide the best next steps, which may include a referral for an autism evaluation at Phoenix Children’s or a community autism organization.

Ask your child’s primary care provider if they would recommend any therapies that may be helpful for your child. Children who have been recommended for autism evaluation often benefit from speech therapy and occupational therapy. These therapies can, and often should, be started before an autism evaluation is completed.

You can also ask your child’s primary care provider about early intervention and/or special education services.

If your child’s primary care provider has requested further medical care for autism, our Developmental Pediatrics team will complete a comprehensive assessment to make recommendations and additional testing specific to your child’s needs. Our team consists of developmental and behavioral providers and pediatric nurse practitioners.

Children on the autism spectrum often have other co-occurring medical conditions such as sleep concerns, gastrointestinal or eating issues, epilepsy, genetic conditions, anxiety, depression or ADHD. Our team of experts are specialized in the care of children with autism and will evaluate your child for any co-occurring conditions and facilitate referrals to other specialists as appropriate.