Pediatric Autism Care
Compassionate support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in New Jersey
If you're exploring an autism diagnosis for your child, or seeking an evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's completely normal to have questions. For families across New Jersey, this journey can feel uncertain, but it’s a meaningful step toward understanding your child and accessing the care they need to thrive.
At Hackensack Meridian Children's Health, our dedicated pediatric autism specialists are here to guide you with compassionate care, expert testing, and resources tailored to your family's needs right here in NJ.
Can a Pediatrician Diagnose Autism?
Your child’s pediatrician might be the first to notice signs of autism. If there are concerns, they may recommend a more in-depth evaluation with a developmental specialist.
Some common signs that may prompt an evaluation include:
- Sensory sensitivities: Over- or under-response to lights, sounds, textures, or smells
- Difficulty with transitions: Strong resistance to change or switching activities
- Social and communication challenges: Trouble with facial expressions, social cues, or engaging in play and conversation
- Focused interests: Intense, narrow focus on specific topics or objects
Every child is unique. Our developmental evaluation team can assess your child and help connect you with helpful resources on what to expect and what to do to help your child while you wait for the evaluation date.
Our Locations
Institute for Child Development at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital30 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).
All staff in the Emergency Department are trained in autism-specific care practices to support children with ASD during medical visits.
Families newly navigating an autism diagnosis can enroll in our EmpowerU program, a network-wide support initiative offering ongoing guidance via text. It includes both technical information and emotional support, so you're not alone in the journey.
The Coping Passport helps you communicate your child’s unique needs to caregivers and providers, such as doctors, dentists, or barbers. It includes helpful notes on your child’s communication preferences and ways they express discomfort, designed for children with autism, anxiety, ADHD, Down syndrome, and other special needs.
At Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, we offer monthly workshops designed for parents and caregivers awaiting a developmental evaluation. These “While You Wait” workshops provide age-specific guidance, access to community resources, and tools to advocate for your child during the waiting period.
Our You and Me Autism Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers one-on-one therapy for children up to age 6. Additional rehabilitative services are available at Joseph M. Sanzari and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospitals.
What to Expect from an Evaluation
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.
Common Question Parents Ask About Pediatric Autism Care
Why Families Choose Hackensack Meridian Children's Health
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 facilities and care teams are designed with your child in mind. From sensory-friendly spaces to providers trained in autism-informed care, we strive to create a setting where your child feels comfortable and understood.
Easy Access to Services
We streamline referrals and appointment scheduling so that getting support doesn’t feel like another hurdle. One point of contact helps guide you through the process.
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Care
Every family deserves to feel heard and respected. Our teams offer interpreters (including sign language) and culturally sensitive care to support families from all backgrounds.
