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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is something that affects how a person grows and learns. It usually appears when a child is very young, before they turn three. The full name is autism spectrum disorder. The word spectrum means that autism can look different in each person — some people might need a lot of help, and others might need just a little.

People with autism have their own special ways of thinking, learning and doing things. It’s something that affects how their brain works, especially when it comes to talking to others and making friends.

There are two big areas where people with autism might act differently:

  • Talking and getting along with others (like making eye contact, sharing feelings, or playing with friends)
  • Doing the same things over and over or having strong interests in certain things (like lining up toys or always wanting to talk about one topic)

People with autism might act or communicate in different ways. Here are some examples:

  • They might not look people in their eyes very much.
  • Their body movements might be different, like not using hand gestures when talking.
  • They might not show many facial expressions, like smiling or frowning.
  • They might not play pretend games, like pretending a block is a car.
  • They might repeat the same sounds or movements over and over.
  • They might be super interested in one thing and want to talk about it a lot.
  • They might not notice if it’s really hot or really cold outside.

If you're worried about how your child is growing or learning, or you think they might have autism, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. The doctor might suggest doing some tests to see how your child is doing with things like talking, thinking, playing and making friends.

Doctors and therapists look at how a child acts, ask questions about their past, and sometimes use checklists to help figure things out. There isn’t one single test for autism. Instead, they watch how the child behaves and talk to parents about what they’ve noticed.

Some special tools doctors might use include:

  • M-CHAT: A checklist for toddlers to see if they show signs of autism.
  • ADOS: A play-based test where a doctor watches how a child talks and interacts.
  • ADI-R: A long interview with parents about how their child acts and grows.
  • CARS: A rating scale that helps doctors see how strong the signs of autism are.

Doctors usually check all kids for autism at their 18-month and 24-month checkups. This helps catch signs early so kids can get help sooner

Autism is something people are born with, and it doesn’t go away. There isn’t a cure but getting help early can really make a big difference. When kids get support early, it can help them learn to talk, behave, and do things better.

Even though kids don’t usually grow out of autism, they can still learn new skills and find ways to do well in life. Getting help at any age is a good idea! Early interventions are special kinds of help that kids with autism can get when they’re very young—sometimes even before they turn 3. These supports help kids learn important skills like talking, playing and getting along with others. The earlier they start, the better!

Here are examples of early interventions:

  • Speech therapy: Helps kids learn how to talk, understand words, and communicate better.
  • Occupational therapy: Teaches kids everyday skills like getting dressed, eating, and playing. It can also help with things like being sensitive to sounds or touch.
  • Physical therapy: Helps kids move their bodies better, like walking, jumping or using their hands.
  • Behavior therapy (like ABA): Helps kids learn good behaviors and stop ones that make life harder. It teaches skills step-by-step and rewards progress.
  • Family training: Helps parents learn how to support their child at home.
  • Play-based learning: Therapists use games and fun activities to help kids learn how to talk, share, and take turns.
  • Social skills groups: Kids practice making friends and talking with others in a safe, friendly setting.

These therapies can happen at home, in clinics or in schools. Every child is different, so the help they get is made just for them.

Autism usually starts when someone is very young, but adults with autism can still get help to feel better and do well in life. Everyone is different, so the kind of help they get depends on what they need.

Autism in adults can look different than it does in younger people. Some adults with autism might:

  • Find it hard to start or keep a conversation.
  • Feel nervous around other people.
  • Only being interested in a few things.

Here are ways adults with autism can get support:

Therapy

  • Talking therapy helps people understand their feelings and learn ways to handle stress.
  • Social skills training teaches how to talk with others, make friends and understand body language.
  • Occupational therapy helps with everyday things like cooking, cleaning or working.
  • Speech therapy helps with talking and understanding others.

Daily Life Supports

  • Weighted blankets and fidget toys can help calm the body and mind.
  • Relaxation exercises like deep breathing or imagining peaceful places can help with big feelings.
  • Healthy eating, exercise and good sleep help people feel strong and focused.

Living and Working

  • Some adults may need help finding a place to live or a job that fits what they’re good at.
  • They might also learn how to talk about their autism at work so others can support them better.

Relationships

  • Adults with autism might need help understanding feelings in friendships or romantic relationships.
  • Special therapy for couples can help both people learn how to talk and listen to each other.

Online Help

  • Some therapy can happen on a computer or phone, which is great for people who feel nervous going out.

Speaking Up

  • Learning to ask for what they need—like quiet spaces or breaks — can help adults feel more comfortable.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a type of therapy that helps people learn and behave in better ways. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 when it’s needed for their health.

It helps us understand:

  • Why people act the way they do.
  • How their actions are affected by what’s around them.
  • How people learn new things.

ABA uses this knowledge to help people in real life. The goal is to:

  • Increase helpful behaviors (like talking or sharing).
  • Reduce behaviors that make learning or daily life harder.

ABA therapy programs can help:

  • Increase language and communication skills.
  • Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory and academics. 
  • Decrease problem behaviors.

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA therapy uses different ways to help people learn and change behavior. It’s flexible, which means it can be made to fit each person’s needs.

ABA therapy:

  • Can happen at home, school or in the community.
  • Teaches everyday skills like talking, playing and getting dressed.
  • Can be one-on-one or in a group.
  • Helps people learn in ways that work best for them.

What Does an ABA Program Include?

ABA therapy is made to fit each person — it’s not the same for everyone. The goal is to help people learn skills that make life easier now and in the future.

Each program:

  • Is built just for that person.
  • Helps them become more independent.
  • Focuses on things like talking, playing, taking care of themselves and learning.

Where do I find ABA services? 

  1. Speak with your pediatrician or other medical provider about ABA. They can discuss whether ABA is right for your child.
  2. Call MDwise Customer Service at (800) 356-1204.
  3. Fill out a Care Management Referral Form online at MDwise Referral Form.

Resources

Easterseals Crossroads

The Autism Family Resource Center is a free place where families can get help and learn more about autism. They have books, computers and tools to help kids with autism. Parents can also meet other parents and talk about their experiences.

Indiana Resource Center for Autism:

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism helps kids with autism, their families and teachers. They teach people how to understand autism and give advice and tools to help everyone work together and feel included.

The Arc of Indiana:

The Arc of Indiana helps people with disabilities and their families find support. They share links to places that can help with housing, autism, legal help and technology. It brings together many helpful resources in one easy-to-find place.

Autism Society of Indiana:

The Autism Society of Indiana helps people with autism and their families all across the state. Their team gives care, teaches others and shares helpful tools. They work hard to make sure everyone feels accepted and gets the support they need.

Indiana Autism Resources:

This resource shares helpful information about autism services in Indiana. It talks about therapy, school programs and ways families can get support. Families can learn about speech, occupational and physical therapy, and how to get help through insurance or Medicaid. It also helps families find schools and experts who understand autism.

Indiana Family to Family:

Indiana Family to Family is a group made up of families who help other families. They support parents who have kids with health or mental health needs. They give answers, share helpful tools and connect families to people in their community who can help. Their goal is to help families feel confident and supported.

Call MDwise Customer Service at (800) 356-1204.

Fill out a MDwise Care Management Referral Form online at MDwise Referral Form.

What is Autism? - Autism Research Institute

Autism spectrum disorder - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

Autism spectrum disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC

How Is Autism Diagnosed? - HealthyChildren.org

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | Autism Speaks

 

DR-09-2025-18404/HHW-HIPM1691 (9/25)