Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

April 27, 2026

Are you a CHIP or STAR (Medicaid) Community Member? This article is for our Marketplace and Medicare D-SNP Members. We have resources dedicated especially for you on The Sun.

Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a difference in how the brain works. It can affect how a child talks, plays, learns, and connects with others.

Autism is called a “spectrum” because each child is different. Some children need more help. Others need less.

According to the CDC:

An average of 1 in every 31 (3.2%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2022.
ASD is 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (4.9%) as among girls (1.4%).
ASD is reported to occur in all racial and ethnic groups.

Autisim is not:

A learning disability
Caused by vaccines
Caused by bad parenting
A mental health illness

What you may notice

Autism starts early in life. A child with autism may:

Talk later than other children, or not talk yet
Have trouble going back and forth in a conversation
Avoid eye contact or play alone
Repeat actions, like rocking or lining up toys
Be very sensitive to sound, light, or touch

What you should know

Autism is not caused by bad parenting. It’s not something a child will grow out of. It’s not something to fix.

Children with autism can learn and grow. They just learn in their own way.

Signs to watch for

You know your child best. Talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

Does not respond to their name by 12 months
Does not use words by 16 to 18 months
Loses skills they once had
Avoids eye contact or social play
Gets very upset when things change

What to do next

If you have concerns, don’t wait. Early help can make a big difference.

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Ask for a simple check of your child’s growth and behavior.

Ask for a full check.

In Texas, children under age 3 can get a free check through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). For older children, your public school can help with testing and support.

Start help early.

This may include speech help, daily skill help, or behavior support. These services help build skills and confidence.

Helping your child thrive

Focus on your child’s strengths. Keep routines simple. Use calm, clear words. Celebrate small steps. Most of all, remember this: your child is not broken. Autism is part of who they are. With the right help, children with autism can learn, connect, and live happy lives.

Need Help Finding a Doctor?
If you do not have a doctor or you need help finding one, we are here to help. Call us today.

• CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
• STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

More Resources:

You can find more help and information here:

The Harris Center for Autism Services