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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Autism Defined

    Autism is a complex neurological developmental disorder; Presents in wide spectrum of behaviors; Causes difficulty in communicating and interacting with other people; Causes restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

    Physicians diagnosing autism should specify whether a person also has: Intellectual problems, including problems with reasoning and memory; Language problems, such as difficulty with speech; Other related conditions, such as seizures.

    Source: National Institutes of Health  

  • Addressing Autism

    By Sean Price Texas Medicine December 2019

    Alt Tag  

    Physicians also can look for better ways to accommodate patients with ASD, Says Joyce Mauk, MD, a Fort Worth pediatric specialist in neurodevelopmental disabilities and developmental behavior. It’s tempting to look for a formula, but that formula just doesn’t exist because the spectrum of behaviors is so wide.

    “They’re individuals like everyone else,” she said. “To have an autism-friendly practice to me is a misnomer. You should have a practice that’s people friendly. People [with disabilities are not] strangely different from everybody else, and they’re very different from each other.”

    Going That Extra Mile  

  • Improving Autism Services

    The Texas Medical Association House of Delegates in May 2019 voted to improve treatment for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by: 1) supporting the provision of resources in the community to individuals with autism and to their families in order to provide a more comprehensive spectrum of primary and preventive care to individuals with autism; and 2) encouraging physicians to promote existing resources in order to better accommodate patients with ASD in rural or underserved communities.

    TMA Resolution 206 – Care for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  

  • New Autism Benefit in Texas Medicaid

    The 2019 Texas Legislature directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to add intensive behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a new Medicaid benefit, scheduled to take effect in spring 2020. The new benefit which the Texas Medical Association supported, will:

    • Cover people age 20 and younger who have been diagnosed with ASD;
    • Focus on interdisciplinary models of care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and outpatient behavioral health services; and
    • Be delivered in home, community, and clinic settings.

    Find out more at Texas Autism Council or via email.

  • General Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

     
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  • Resources for Parents and Families

    Autism Society of Texas
    (information referral, connect with local support groups, learn more about resources across the state)  

  • Ask the TMA Knowledge Center

    Got Autism questions? Call the Knowledge Center.

    (800) 880-7955