Autism Overview

Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex lifelong developmental condition that typically appears in early childhood. Children with autism may communicate, interact, behave and learn in different ways compared to others. Children with autism may also have restricted or repetitive behaviors and/or interests. Autism can impact a person’s social skills, relationships, self-regulation and behavior. Most children with autism will sit, crawl, and walk on time and families may not notice delays in social and communication skills in the first year of life. Autism is referred to as a spectrum that impacts children differently and to varying degrees. There is not a single medical, behavioral or communication test that can detect autism. There is currently no known single cause of autism nor are there medications that cure autism. Early diagnosis and intervention help children with autism receive resources to improve outcomes and thrive.

For further assistance, please reach out to your child's clinician and/or call for a BHCS SmartCare Specialized Family Autism Consultation. BHCS SmartCare can provide customized autism family phone consultations with our team member and autism specialist, Shirley Fett FNP, PMHS. Consultations include an assessment of current supports in place, current needs and resources available. Information may include therapy options, school services, Regional Center, public benefits, support groups, social and recreation programming. Parents may call 858-956-5900 and ask to speak with Shirley.