Autism is a developmental disability that can cause communication, socialization and behavioral problems. We recognize the challenges that parents of children with autism experience, and we are here to help. Mary Bridge Children’s offers comprehensive evaluations for autism, as well as referrals for therapy to manage autistic behavior.
We also have a robust research program that aims to improve care and uncover new treatments. Our research efforts span a variety of areas within pediatric neurology, including behavioral medications for patients with autism spectrum disorder.
What is autism?
Autism affects roughly one in 68 children and is more common among boys than girls. Symptoms and levels of disability vary widely among individuals, which is one reason doctors also call it autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Up to 30 percent of children with autism also have epilepsy, a disorder that causes repeated seizures.
Symptoms of autism include speech and communication problems, such as:
- Developmental delays, especially delayed speech
- Difficulty with socialization or lack of interest in other children
- Trouble understanding directions
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings or describing their own
Other behaviors that are also symptoms of autism include:
- Repeated slapping of the hands, flicking of the fingers or putting hands in front of eyes
- Unusual play behaviors such as lining up toys
- Obsessive interest in a particular topic
- Inflexibility with daily routines
- Emotional outbursts from disrupted routines or new environments
If you suspect your child may have autism, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R™) can help you identify symptoms.
Diagnosing autism
Your child’s pediatrician should screen your child for autism and other developmental disabilities at their 18- and 24-month checkups. If your pediatrician suspects a developmental disability such as autism, the doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for a complete evaluation.
Specialists diagnose autism by evaluating a child’s behavior and development. Our pediatric neurology specialists are experts at diagnosing autism. Depending on your child‘s needs and symptoms, our comprehensive evaluation may include:
- Hearing and vision screening
- Genetic testing
- Neurological testing
Early diagnosis is key to early intervention to help children with autism gain speech and socialization skills while they are still young. Learn more about diagnosis and testing.
Autism treatment
Currently, no medications exist to treat autism or its core symptoms. Specialists may prescribe medications to manage related conditions, such as hyperactivity, depression or seizures.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the leading treatments for managing behavior problems associated with autism. This widely accepted treatment approach helps children develop positive behaviors and minimize negative behaviors to improve overall function.
Licensed professionals provide ABA therapy, often in the comfort of the child’s own home. While we do not provide ABA therapy, we are a designated center of excellence for ABA therapy referrals and can connect you with an excellent ABA therapy specialist within our community. Many insurance plans in the state only cover ABA therapy for referrals from neurologists at designated centers of excellence. Please note that your insurance may limit where you can receive ABA therapy services.
Comprehensive autism support
We offer many support services for children with autism and their families. Our services include:
- Referral to neuropsychology professionals who provide learning assessments and personalized education recommendations
- A nurse team and social worker who help coordinate treatments, connect you with key resources and answer questions
- Pediatric sedation and child life specialists who attend tests and treatments to ensure your child’s comfort
- Assistance transitioning to adult care for teens with autism, if needed
- Classes and events to support parents and caregivers
Autism resources
Explore the resources below for more information on autism. For classes and events offered by Mary Bridge Children’s, view our events calendar.
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General information about autism
Healthy Children. Sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this website includes a variety of information about autism.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R™). This tool serves as a screening test for diagnosing symptoms of autism in toddlers.
Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit. The toolkit covers a variety of topics, from self-advocacy skills to employment options as children transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Conversations about Autism. Sponsored by Seattle Children’s, these 60-minute live streamed sessions help both providers and caregivers of children with autism better understand the disorder.
Autism Navigator. The website features an extensive video library illustrating autism spectrum disorder behaviors, especially in toddlers, and offers materials for early detection.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatments for autism.
Uniquely Human Podcast. This podcast shares real stories and expert insights on autism, giving practical and up-to-date information about the autistic and neurodivergent experience.
Sensory Processing. We all process sensory input such as touch, sound, taste and sight differently. One in six children experience sensory processing difficulties — when a child is either oversensitive or undersensitive to stimuli in their environment. Depending on their severity, these difficulties can have a big impact on a child’s life. Visit the STAR Institute to learn more about sensory processing challenges and disorders.
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Communication, social skills and self-care
Autism Speaks. This website contains a variety of information and resources about navigating social situations.
Aspiring Youth. This organization provides social skills groups, summer programs and other services for children, adolescents and young adults and their families in the Puget Sound area.
Behavior Bridges. Behavior Bridges offers a variety of educational and behavioral services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE). This organization offers support groups and other services for children with disabilities and their families.
Square Pegs. This is a meetup group for autistic adults. It is designed for those 18 and older, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to gather and make friends. There are currently two groups in Tacoma.
Taking Care of Myself2 by Mary Wrobel. Written for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, this book discusses personal health, grooming, relationships, dressing and behaviors.
The Hanen Centre. This organizations helps you build stronger communication with your child during routine activities and play.
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Safety
Safety Resources for Children with Autism. Seattle Children’s outlines safety considerations and interventions that help keep children with autism safe.
About Autism & Wandering. The National Autism Association explains the dangers of exit-seeking behavior in people with autism and how to take action.
Be REDY to Prevent Wandering. This free resource for caregivers provides a checklist and emergency plan to help prevent someone with autism from wandering away from a safe environment.
Six Tips to Help Prevent Wandering and Wandering-Related Tragedies. This article from the organization Autism Speaks outlines tips and emergency preparedness strategies for home, community and school environments.
Autism Information Cards. Available through numerous sellers and organizations, these cards provide information about autism and explain why an individual may demonstrate unexpected behaviors. The cards are intended to be handed out to people in the community to raise awareness.
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Transportation and travel
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. This organization is dedicated to promoting safe independent mobility for people with disabilities.
Driving with Autism. This organization has an online program designed to help autistic people get a driver’s license.
Travel Training. These programs offer personal trainings for people 14 and older to develop skills for using public transportation. Some programs are specific to Pierce and King counties.
Airports, Airplanes & Autism. Created by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida, this PDF provides safety information and travel tips.
Wings for Autism/Wings for All. This program sponsored by The ARC provides opportunities for children and families to practice going to the airport, checking in and going through security.
National Child Passenger Safety Certification. This program helps families learn about appropriate child restraint systems and seat belts for their particular safety situation.
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Recreation and dining
Outdoors for all Foundation. This organization provides outdoor opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
Autism Eats. This organization hosts dinner events in private rooms of participating restaurants, where the environment is adjusted to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.
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Medical care
MultiCare Adult Developmental Clinic. This clinic provides comprehensive, multispecialty consultation evaluations for teens and adults who experience developmental disabilities. Appointments by referral only.
University of Washington Adult Autism Clinic. This clinic provides behavioral medicine services, including medication management and mental health assessments for individuals over 18 years of age with autism spectrum and related disorders.
The Center for Psychological Health. The Center for Psychological Health specializes in autism spectrum disorders, mental health, psychological assessments and medication services.
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Residential and employment support
Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center. This center offers educational, vocational and recreational services for individuals over 18 years of age through adulthood.
Center for Independence. This nonprofit organization helps people with disabilities access and participate in community activities. Services include peer mentoring, advocacy, transition services, peer support groups, trainings and more.
Morningside. This organization provides employment services for individuals with disabilities in Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Clallam and Grays Harbor counties.
Reliable Enterprises. Based in Centralia, this organization offers support, resources and a sense of community for families affected by disabilities.
Exceptional Foresters Inc. Based in Mason County, this organization provides residential and vocational services for people with disabilities.
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Education
Educational transition support. Transition planning at public school must begin by 16 years of age for all students receiving public school special education services. Some students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be eligible to attend school and receive special education, including vocational planning, until age 21. High school students should consult with their school staff to clarify eligibility for transition support services.
A Guide to Special Education. Developed by a team of parents and neurobehavioral medicine specialists at Mary Bridge Children’s, this guide is intended to help families better understand and navigate special education.
Hands in Autism. This is a training and and resource center making a profound difference in the lives of autistic people and individuals with other special needs.
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Support for caregivers
Autism Response Team. Sponsored by the organization Autism Speaks, the Autism Response Team connects individuals and families to tools and resources as well as services in your community. Call their toll-free number or contact them online.
Conversations About Autism. Seattle Children’s provides a series of 60-minute live-streamed sessions for providers and caregivers of children with autism who wish to learn more about this condition.
List of Autism and Parent Support Groups. Seattle Children’s provides a comprehensive list of support groups in the greater Puget Sound area.
Washington Autism Alliance. This organization helps families navigate insurance coverage, special education, Medicaid and more. They also provide mental health counseling through their Supporting Parents of Autism support group.
Contact us
For more information about neurology care at Mary Bridge Children’s, please call 253-792-6630.