Learn | Georgia Autism Hub

Learn about Autism

Topics on this Page

Autism spectrum disorder is a disability. It shapes how people communicate, interact, and experience the world.

What is autism?

How do I know if my child is autistic?

Young autistic children have differences in how they communicate and spend time with others.

How do I know if my child is autistic?

What is an autism evaluation?

An autism evaluation looks at how a child is learning and growing. It helps understand if a child is autistic.

What is an autism evaluation?

How do I find information online?

There is so much information online about autism. We have tips for how to sort through websites and search engines to find good information.

How do I find information?

What do I do while waiting for an evaluation?

Start therapies while you are on a waitlist. Most therapies do not require that a child have an autism diagnosis.

I'm overwhelmed. What can I do?

You may feel worried, stressed, or alone. You are not alone.

Autism terms and definitions

Terms & Definitions

There are many terms used to discuss and describe autism and autism supports. We have included a glossary of common terms below. Click on any term to read a definition and learn more.

Term	Definition
AAC	AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC helps people to communicate beyond or in addition to speaking. Children and adults can use AAC if they have trouble with communication. Augmentative means adding to someone's speech. Alternative means using another way of communicating than speech. Speech language pathologists help people find AAC that works for them. AAC includes different ways a person can communicate. This can include spoken language, sign language, gestures, and other aided communication. People who use AAC may use picture cards or a device that supports their communication. How people use AAC can change over time.
ABA	Applied behavior analysis (or ABA) is a set of learning principles that drives ABA therapy. Children need an autism diagnosis from a doctor to access ABA therapy. Goals in ABA therapy include communication and self-care skills like getting dressed. Sometimes children receive ABA therapy if they hurt themselves or others. Insurance often covers many hours of ABA therapy each week for children who need a lot of support. ABA therapy can be helpful for many but not all children. It is not the only option supported by research. Parents can talk with doctors, therapists, and other families to find therapies that match their child. Goals in therapy should always help children to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Autism Levels	Autism used to have different names like Asperger's disorder. Now all autistic people have the same diagnosis. Being autistic looks and feels for each person. This is why doctors describe levels of support for autistic children and adults. These levels help to explain how much support an autistic person needs at that time. These levels of support can change over time. Level 1 means someone requires support. This could describe an autistic child who may not need much support at school. Yet they may have difficulty with back and forth conversation and making friends. They may get overwhelmed when changes happen or need help staying organized. Level 2 means someone needs substantial support. This could describe an autistic child who needs help starting or keeping interactions going. People who do not know the child well may be able to tell when this child has a hard time with change. The child's focused interests may come up a lot; their repetitive movements may be clear to others. Level 3 means someone needs very substantial support. This could describe an autistic child who is not yet speaking, using sign language, or using supports to talk. This child may prefer to be independent a lot of the time. Their challenges with changes or flexibility have a big impact on their lives.
Babies Can't Wait	Babies Can't Wait is an early intervention network for Georgia infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities. Supports are free, on a sliding scale, or through insurance. Doctors can refer families to Babies Can't Wait. Families can request these services themselves too. Call Babies Can't Wait at 888-457-4769.
Developmental Delay	Developmental delay means a child is slower to learn a skill than other children their age. A developmental delay can be in one or more areas of learning. Many autistic children show developmental delays before they get an autism diagnosis. A common delay is not yet talking by their first birthday. Children without autism but who have other disabilities can have developmental delays too. Speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapies can be helpful for children with developmental delays.
Disability	A disability makes it harder for a person to do things across the day. Some disabilities are visible, like a person who has a prosthetic leg. Other disabilities can be invisible. Disabilities can have small or big impacts across people's lives. It is important that communities support disabled people . This can include having supports or accommodations that make situations easier. For example, businesses can have elevators, which helps people in wheelchairs. Concert venues can offer headphones for people who are sensitive to loud noises.
Early Intervention	Early intervention means therapies for young children who have disabilities or delays. It can include therapies like speech, occupational, or physical therapies. Children should start therapies when families or doctors first notice developmental delays. This can help children learn faster and need less help in the future. Parents should talk to doctors and community supports when they notice their children need help. Babies Can't Wait is an early intervention network for Georgia infants and toddlers. Families can request these services themselves. Call Babies Can't Wait at 888-457-4769.
Echolalia	Echolalia means repeating words or phrases. People can repeat words or phrases after they hear them or much later. People use echolalia when first learning how to communicate. Autistic children may echo others long after they have started to use their first words. People echo for lots of reasons. Some people echo to help manage their emotions or to take in information. Sometimes echoing is a repetitive behavior or stim.
Evidence-Based	Evidence-based means supported by research. It describes supports expected to work and to be safe because they have worked for many people. Understanding of what is evidence-based changes with new research. Newer supports or resources sometimes do not have enough research yet. Older supports or resources are re-evaluated with new research. Researchers, autistic adults, and parents need to shape research together. This helps create supports and resources that help autistic people and their families. It also makes sure supports and resources are relevant for people across cultures.
IEP	IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. An IEP is a written legal document describing special education supports that a child needs at school. Children who are under 3 can have an IFSP for Babies Can't Wait supports in the home. Children who are 3 years and older can have an IEP in their school. IEPs are for eligible children in public schools; IEPs do not cover children in private schools. IEPs are covered by special education law, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They also give families and schools legal protections. This gives families power in making educational decisions.
IFSP	IFSP stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. An IFSP is a written legal document that describes the supports that infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays need. When children receive services through Babies Can't Wait, they have an IFSP that writes out what therapies or supports are needed. When children turn 3, they may then start special education supports through an Individualized Education Program or IEP.
Katie Beckett	The Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver gives Medicaid supports for children with diagnosed disabilities. It is for families who do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Children qualify for the Deeming Waiver based on their needs. Applying for insurance and financial supports takes time, persistence, and expertise. Many families do not qualify the first time they apply; they may then qualify the second time. Talk with families, therapists, and advocates who have been through the process before. They will give the best insight into this process. Children rejected from the Deeming Waiver can apply for Champions for Children. This financial support also provides financial supports for disabled children living in Georgia.
Meltdown	A meltdown is a big reaction to an overwhelming experience. Someone having a meltdown may lose control of their emotions or behaviors. Meltdowns can look many different ways. One person having a meltdown may yell, kick, or run away. Another person having a meltdown may be quiet and not respond to others talking to them. Meltdowns are common for many autistic people and impact mental health. Sometimes people have meltdowns because change can be more stressful for autistic people. How things look, feel, taste, or sound can be overwhelming for some autistic people. This can trigger a meltdown. It is important to figure out why people experience meltdowns to support them.
Mental Health	Mental health means a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It includes how people respond to challenges and successes in life. Mental health impacts how people think, feel, and act. It can affect how well people respond to stress and can include disorders like anxiety and depression. It can change over time. Autistic people and parents are more likely to struggle with mental health, often because there are fewer appropriate supports available. To take care of mental health, people can ask their doctor for support in finding appropriate supports, like connecting with other people including through therapy.
Neurodiversity	Neurodiversity means people experience and navigate the world in different ways. Disabilities like autism and ADHD are then differences, not deficits. Taking a neurodiversity perspective requires taking steps to understand and support disabled people. It means helping disabled people to learn skills important to them. It also means supporting them in living in their communities.
Occupational Therapy	Occupational therapy (or OT) helps with physical, sensory, or cognitive needs. People who receive occupational therapy often need help with fine motor skills. Fine motor skills include getting dressed, opening jars, or eating with a spoon. Some children have to build strength and coordination to do these skills. Occupational therapy sometimes helps when children A diagnosis of autism is not required for a child to receive occupational therapy. A doctor may have to write a prescription for your child to start occupational therapy.
Physical Therapy	Physical therapy (or PT) helps people with motor or movement difficulties. Physical therapy can support people in building skills like sitting, walking, or kicking. A diagnosis of autism is not required for a child to receive physical therapy. A doctor may have to write a prescription for your child to start physical therapy.
Respite	Respite care is when someone watches your child. It is babysitting or childcare but with people who can support disabled or medically complex children. Parents can use respite time to run errands, rest, or travel. The cost of respite varies. Financial supports may be available. Talk with therapists and families about how to apply for and receive respite.
SSI	Medicaid Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) offers monthly financial support to disabled individuals. This can include autistic children. SSI is available for children when they have a medical disability diagnosis and have many needs. It is also dependent on family income. If a family's income is too high for SSI, they can apply for the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver. Applying for insurance and financial supports takes time, persistence, and expertise. Many families do not qualify the first time they apply; they may then qualify the second time. Talk with families, therapists, and advocates who have been through the process before. They will give the best insight into this process.
Special Education	Special education services help children over 3 learn many skills in public schools. These free services can include speech, physical, ABA, or occupational therapies. Children do not need an autism diagnosis to access special education. Parents can contact their county’s special education program to place a referral. Schools do not need your child's insurance information for special education supports. Children do not need to be talking to start special education when they are between 3 and 5 years old. Many young students are not yet talking. It is also okay if they do not use the bathroom alone yet. To place a referral for your child who is 3 or older, call your county or local special education office. The Special Education Help Desk at 404-656-3963 can help you find this information. Ask for an evaluation for special education services.
Speech Therapy	Speech therapy (or ST) helps people with communication or speech challenges. Many autistic children have communication difficulties. A speech language pathologist (or SLP) often helps people communicate in different ways. Sometimes speech language pathologists can help children use augmentative or alternative communication. Some speech language pathologists may support children who struggle to chew or swallow foods. A diagnosis of autism is not required for a child to receive speech therapy. A doctor may have to write a prescription for your child to start speech therapy.
Stimming	Stimming, or self-stimulatory behaviors, are repetitive behaviors or behaviors done over and over. Repetitive behaviors are part of autism. Autistic and non-autistic or neurotypical people have repetitive behaviors. For example, some people tap their foot when nervous. Repetitive behaviors happen more for autistic people. Many young autistic children, for example, flap their hands, walk on their toes, or line items. Most repetitive behaviors are not harmful. They can help people calm or feel good. Some repetitive behaviors can be harmful or self-injurious. Therapies including but not limited to ABA therapy can help with self-injurious behaviors. Therapists must understand why the child is hurting themselves.
Transition	Transitions, or unexpected changes, can be stressful for many autistic children. Transitions can include going from one activity to the next or one place to the next. Transitions can be less stressful over time. Parents can help their autistic children expect what comes next. They can help them understand why changes are happening. They can also practice coping with upcoming changes for less stressful transitions. Helping children early with these challenges can support their mental health.