Pediatric Autism

Caring support for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in New Jersey 

For parents facing a potential (or already existing) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, every day brings new questions, concerns and hopes for the future. At Hackensack Meridian Children's Health, we understand this journey you're on, and we're here to offer support, guidance and expert care every step of the way.

Can a Pediatrician Diagnose Autism?

A pediatrician might notice signs of autism in your little one and recommend a full evaluation. If you or your child’s pediatrician has concerns, the best place to turn is a pediatric developmental expert. We can help you navigate the process and direct you to services.

Your child may need an evaluation if they have:

• Sensory sensitivities: Over- or under-reactivity to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells.
• Difficulty with transitions: Resistance to change, insistence on sameness, and difficulty transitioning between activities or routines.
• Difficulty with social interaction and communication: Trouble understanding social norms/cues, interpreting facial expressions, or recognizing others' perspectives, participating in conversation and play with others.
• Intense focus on specific interests: Hyper-focus on narrow topics or objects, often excluding other activities or interests.

While these are some of the most common signs and symptoms of autism, every child is different. If you have concerns, trust your instincts. Call to schedule an appointment at our developmental evaluation center. As you wait for the evaluation date, you can explore helpful resources on what to expect and what to do to help your child.

A Place that Understands Pediatric Autism

During the evaluation process, our skilled team will assess your child by getting a detailed history and conducting age-appropriate assessments. We may refer your child to other pediatric specialists, if necessary.

Depending on your child’s age, the evaluation could include:

• Ages 3 and younger: Specialists will observe the child's communication, social interaction, play skills and behavior through structured observations and standardized tests.
• Ages 4 and older: Specialists will look at a child’s developmental history, communication abilities, social interactions, repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities through a combination of standardized tests, observations and interviews.

Whatever the evaluation outcome, we’re here for you. If your child is diagnosed with ASD, our team will guide you through options such as early intervention and transitional services. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) can support behavior management.

Our team members provide:

• Diagnoses and recommendations for your child
• Recommendations for advocacy, support groups, and therapies
• Medication management, as appropriate
• Assistance with accessing behavioral interventions, state services and navigating insurance
• Referrals to specialists, as appropriate

If your child ever needs to be hospitalized for any reason, remember they’re in a safe space for their unique needs. From supporting the child’s ability to tolerate procedures, to finding the best communication methods, our team of doctors, nurses, child life specialists, social workers, and others are deeply invested in supporting your child with proper autism spectrum disorder care.

Learn more about our pediatric developmental-behavioral pediatrics programming.