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.
Contact Us
Institute for Child Development at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-5555
Child Evaluation Center at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital
81 Davis Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-4178, ext. 2
You and Me Autism Program at JFK University Medical Center
732-548-7610
Autism Programs & Services
The Pediatric Emergency Department at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health is the first emergency department in New Jersey to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
As part of the requirements for designation as a CAC site, all health care providers in the Emergency Department at Joseph M. Sanzari received training in best practices for caring for autism patients.
The EmpowerU program is a network-wide effort that gives families with an autism diagnosis access to regular communications via text message. It provides technical and emotional resources and support after an autism diagnosis. To review and enroll today!
The Coping Passport is a tool that allows families to communicate their children’s individual needs with their care team or outside resources such as the child’s dentist or barber. Information that can be included in the passport includes preferences for communication styles and how discomfort or pain is expressed. The passport is meant to support patients with special needs, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, anxiety, and ADHD.
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is the first to launch “While You Wait” monthly workshops for parents/caregivers with age-specific anticipatory guidance on how to access community support and educational resources and provide guidance on how to request help for their child while the family awaits their formal developmental evaluation.
You and Me Autism Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute serves children up to the age of 6 by providing one-on-one therapy sessions. In addition, Joseph M. Sanzari and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital provide extensive rehabilitative services for children.
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.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Care?
Choosing Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health means you’re choosing experts who are specifically trained in autism-friendly medical practices and care. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, you get:
An Autism-Friendly Environment
Our programming and team members seek to accommodate individuals with autism, creating a sensory-friendly and supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable, accepted and understood.
Streamlined Referrals
With a single contact point, accessing our autism care services is simple and efficient, ensuring a smooth appointment process.
Cultural Inclusiveness
We provide culturally sensitive pediatric autism care, offering language and sign interpreters to support diverse populations. This ensures that every family feels understood and respected throughout their journey with us.
