Understanding your child, and getting them the right support early.
Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviors, and unique strengths. The "spectrum" reflects how widely abilities and challenges vary from one person to the next.
Early signs
- In infants: limited eye contact, no social smiling by six months, no babbling by twelve months, or loss of previously acquired skills
- In older children: avoiding eye contact, difficulty reading emotions, delayed or repetitive speech, strong need for routine, narrow intense interests, and unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
Signs usually emerge by age two or three, and diagnosis is possible as early as 18 months. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
What we know about causes
Autism develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. It runs in families. Vaccines do not cause autism.
How we help
Dr. Shaikh's child and adolescent psychiatry training includes years running specialty clinics at Texas Children's Hospital. We provide diagnostic evaluation, treatment for co-occurring conditions that often accompany autism (ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, OCD), medication management when appropriate, and coordination with schools, therapists, and pediatricians.
Common questions
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Signs are often visible by age two or three, and a reliable diagnosis is possible as early as 18 months. Earlier is better, because early intervention improves language, social, and learning outcomes. If you've noticed limited eye contact, delayed speech, loss of skills, or a strong need for sameness, don't wait to ask.
What does an autism evaluation involve?
A developmental history from parents, direct observation of and interaction with your child, standardized screening and diagnostic tools, and a review of any reports from pediatricians, schools, or speech and occupational therapists. We also look for conditions that commonly travel with autism, such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Is there medication for autism?
There is no medication that treats autism itself. Medication can help with specific co-occurring problems, such as severe irritability, ADHD symptoms, anxiety, or sleep disruption, when they interfere with daily life or learning. We use it carefully and only when behavioral and educational supports aren't enough on their own.
Can an adult be diagnosed with autism?
Yes. Many adults, especially those with milder presentations, were never evaluated as children and seek an assessment later after years of social difficulty, sensory sensitivity, or burnout. Dr. Shaikh sees patients of all ages and can evaluate adults as well as children.
Do you work with my child's school and therapists?
Yes. With your permission we coordinate with pediatricians, ABA and speech therapists, and school teams, and we can provide documentation for an IEP or 504 plan. Care works best when everyone is working from the same plan.