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Behavioral Health

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        Behavioral Health Toolkit

        What is Autism?

        Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person talks, plays, learns, and acts. People with autism may think and behave differently than others.

        Some people with autism may need a lot of help in daily life. Others may need only a little help.

        Autism includes different types that used to have other names like Asperger’s Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Today, they are all called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

        Diagnosing Autism

        Doctors cannot find autism with a simple medical test. Instead, they watch how a child grows, acts, and learns.

        Autism is usually noticed in the first few years of life. It can happen to anyone—no matter their race, background, or income.

        The earlier autism is found, the earlier the child can receive services such as therapy.

        The American Academy of Pediatrics says all children should be checked for autism.

        Signs of Autism

        People with autism may:

        • Avoid eye contact
        • Not respond when their name is called
        • Use very few facial expressions
        • Not play simple games like “pat-a-cake”
        • Not point at things or look at what you point to
        • Show little interest in other kids
        • Not understand other people’s feelings
        • Have trouble talking or using gestures
        • Repeat actions or words
        • Get upset by small changes
        • Be very interested in certain topics or objects
        • Flap hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
        • React in unusual ways to sounds, smells, or textures

        Some kids may lose skills they used to have, like speaking.

        What Causes Autism?

        Doctors and scientists do not know exactly what causes autism. It is likely a mix of different things.

        Some things that may raise the risk of autism include:

        • Having a brother or sister with autism
        • Being born to older parents
        • Being born very small or early
        • Having certain genetic conditions (like Down syndrome or Fragile X)

        Not everyone with these risk factors will have autism.

        Autism Facts

        • 1 in 54 children have autism.
        • Boys are 4 times more likely to have autism than girls.
        • About 40% of children with autism do not talk.
        • Autism looks different in each person.
        • Autism is growing, but it is still underfunded.
        • Children with autism can improve, especially with early help.
        • Autism is not a hopeless condition—it is treatable.

        Getting Help

        Each person with autism is different. They may need different kinds of help, like therapy, special diets, or medicine. Here are some types of help:

        Types of Therapies

        1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
        ABA helps teach good behaviors and stop harmful ones. It tracks the child’s progress over time. It is used in schools and therapy clinics.

        2. Speech Therapy
        Helps children learn how to talk or use other ways to communicate.

        3. Occupational Therapy (OT)
        Teaches daily skills like dressing, eating, and getting along with others.

        4. Social Skills Training
        Helps children learn to make friends, talk to others, and solve problems.

        5. Physical Therapy (PT)
        Helps children improve strength and movement.

        6. Assistive Technology
        Some kids use pictures or devices like tablets to help them talk.

        Dietary Approaches

        Some people try special diets to help with autism. There is not strong proof these diets work. If you want to change your child’s diet, talk to a doctor or nutrition expert first.

        Medications

        There is no medicine to cure autism. But some medicines can help with certain symptoms like:

        • Anxiety
        • Trouble focusing
        • Aggression
        • Depression
        • Seizures

        Every child reacts differently to medicine. A doctor should watch closely to make sure it helps and doesn’t cause bad side effects.

        Magnolia Health Autism Services

        Magnolia Health offers services for kids who have an autism diagnosis. These may include:

        • ABA therapy
        • Occupational therapy
        • Speech therapy
        • Physical therapy
        • Medication management
        • Case management and care coordination

        These services must be approved by a doctor and may not be right for every child.

        Important Terms

        Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A condition that affects how people act, learn, and talk.

        Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A therapy that teaches skills and helps with behavior.

        Occupational Therapy (OT): Teaches skills to help people with everyday life.

        Speech Therapy: Helps with talking and communication.

        Resources for Families