Autism is a neurodevelopmental (related to the development of the nervous system) disorder that can affect a child’s social interaction and communication skills. Autism symptoms can vary from severe to mild. At Nemours, our team of behavioral health specialists can help. We’ll develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your child’s needs.
Some children may show early signs of autism in infancy, while other children may suddenly develop autism symptoms later. In either case, symptoms begin before age 3.
Early signs of autism include lack of interest in people, lack of communication, not responding to his/her name, lack of pretend play and the presence of repetitive behaviors or interests. The best way to help your child with autism symptoms is to discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor. Early intervention can begin to reduce autism symptoms and help your child learn to adapt, grow, and thrive.
Jacksonville
Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville
807 Children’s Way
Jacksonville, FL 32207
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Phone: (904) 697-3600
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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- photo ID
- medical and pharmacy insurance cards
- preferred pharmacy name and phone number
- names and dosage of all medications, including over-the-counter medication, your child is currently taking
- guardianship and custody papers, if a legal guardian rather than a parent accompanies your child
New Patients
Bring these forms for your first appointment:
- Authorization for Treatment and Release of Information (PDF)
- Assignment of Benefits (PDF)
- Notice of Limited Liability (PDF)
Returning Patients
- Patient Presents without Legal Guardian (PDF)
Note: A parent or legal guardian must be with a child for a first visit.
New Patient Forms
- Authorization for Treatment and Release of Information (PDF)
- Assignment of Benefits (PDF)
- Notice of Limited Liability (PDF)
Returning Patient Forms
- Patient Presents without Legal Guardian (PDF)
Note: A parent or legal guardian must be with a child for a first visit.
Resources for Patients & Families
- Insurance We Accept: See accepted insurance, listed by location
- Pay Your Bill: Use online bill pay or send by mail
- Financial Assistance: Help with your child's health care expenses
- MyNemours: Access your child’s medical record online
As a parent, you know the importance of going to the doctor when your child is ill. The same is true if you notice that your child is not developing as other children of the same age, is having trouble communicating with you, interacting with other kids, or is avoiding eye contact. These are all signs of autism in children. At Nemours Children’s Clinic, Jacksonville, our child behavior specialists are experts in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating autism in children. We can help your child and your family, and give you hope for a better tomorrow.
Autism in children is one of a group of developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders, meaning autism symptoms can range from mild to severe. These symptoms typically occur in children before age 3, and can affect the development and function of your child’s socialization, communications, and behavior.
- lack of eye contact
- language delays or speaks with abnormal tone or rhythm
- fails to respond when called as if not to hear you call
- overly preoccupied with one area of interest
- repetitive movements
- becomes disturbed when routines change
- prefers to play alone, retreats to his or her own world
- may be sensitive to light, touch, sound, and sometimes has a high tolerance of pain
Diagnosing autism involves evaluation by a specialist, and does not include other tests such as a MRI or blood tests.
Once your child is referred to us for evaluation, you and your child will meet with a member of our behavioral health team. We’ll assess your child’s condition by gathering information from you and others who regularly interact with your child.
Some of the information we’ll need includes:
- a review of all your child’s health records
- your child’s school records
- interviews with you and your child
- observing your child’s behavior
- the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), may be done as part of the comprehensive assessment to evaluate the level of autism symptoms in children
From this information, and using guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we’ll develop an appropriate treatment plan just for your child.
After a diagnosis has been determined, our specialists will offer recommendations that are tailored to your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Also, we’ll work with community providers for applied behavior analysis therapy, an excepted treatment method that uses behavioral psychology techniques to reinforce language, social, and behavioral skills.
Depending on your child’s condition, we may also recommend your child be seen by speech/language therapists, and occupational therapists, too.
- Child psychologists: Also called pediatric psychologists, licensed mental health professionals with a doctorate degree, and who specializes in the study of childhood development as it relates to behaviors and emotions. While they don’t prescribe medications, they can help monitor the effects of medication therapy on your child.
- Child psychiatrists: Also called pediatric psychiatrists, medical doctors with advanced training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. In addition to psychotherapy, child psychiatrists may prescribe medication therapy when necessary.
- Neuropsychologists: mental health professionals with a doctorate degree, specializing in studying how the brain affects your child’s action and thought.
- Advance nurse practitioner (ARNP): nurses with specialized training in the therapy and medication management of children and teens with mental health issues
- Other Nemours specialists your child may see for a medical condition.
