Understanding Autism: Expert Guidance and Support from Oklahoma Children’s OU Health

If you are a parent in Oklahoma with questions about autism, you are not alone. Families across the state are searching for trusted answers about this neurodevelopmental condition. Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, part of the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system, offers expert care, early screening and family-centered support to help every child thrive.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects social communication and patterns of behavior and interests. Because autism affects each person differently, it's often called a spectrum.

"Individuals with autism have a wide array of strengths and challenges with some autistic people speaking, obtaining higher education degrees, and living independently," said Oklahoma Children’s developmental and behavioral health pediatrician Dr. Ami Bax, M.D., MS, professor of pediatrics and chief of the Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at OU College of Medicine.

"Other individuals with autism have significantly more challenges and will need more intensive support to live a safe and fulfilling life.” said pediatric psychologist Dr. Juliana Vanderburg, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at OU College of Medicine.“They can use alternative forms of communication such as technology-based systems, including voice output devices, and may require lifelong support to stay healthy and safe."

What Causes Autism?

After decades of research, scientists know that autism is biologically based. There's no single cause but rather a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors working together.

"We know that differences at the chromosome and gene level are involved," Dr. Bax said.

Autism is primarily considered to have a strong genetic basis, with research identifying more than 200 genetic markers associated with the condition. These genetic variations can influence how the brain develops and functions, contributing to the diverse ways autism presents in individuals.

While genetics are the main contributors, environmental factors such as prenatal infections, advanced parental age, prematurity, low birth weight, and birth complications may also influence the risk of developing autism.

However, it's important to note that these environmental influences do not act as direct causes. They are risk factors that may interact with underlying genetic factors.

Many of these same factors are also linked to other developmental differences, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environment in neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Setting the Record Straight

Despite growing awareness, some harmful myths about autism still persist.

"Many people believe that autistic individuals cannot live happy, fulfilling or independent lives," said Vanderburg."In my research and clinical practice, as well as in my own personal life, I have seen again and again this is not the case."

With the right support, many autistic individuals develop meaningful friendships, find fulfilling work and enjoy rich lives. Every autistic person deserves happiness and health, and communities grow stronger when they include people who think differently.

Another damaging myth is that vaccines cause autism. This belief is not supported by current science or research. The original study claiming a link was debunked and retracted. Since then, more than 20 high-quality studies in the United States and other countries have found no connection between vaccines and autism. While scientists continue to study contributing factors, no credible evidence links vaccines or common medications to autism. Families can feel confident that routine childhood vaccinations are safe and essential for health.

You may also hear that autism can be prevented. The truth is that autism results from a combination of genetic and other biological factors. What has increased is not autism itself but our ability to recognize it through better awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria, improved screening and greater acceptance.

Research That Makes a Difference

The Oklahoma Children’s Child Study Center and the University of Oklahoma lead research into early identification, effective treatments and better care approaches.

One standout program is the Oklahoma Autism Center’s Early Foundations model, which includes young children with autism alongside their peers without autism from the very start. Researchers are now following graduates of this program to understand how early intervention shapes long-term outcomes.

The Belonging Project addresses a critical need. Expulsion from childcare and preschool happens much more often for children with developmental differences. By training early educators to better support these children, the project helps prevent lost opportunities for building social and language skills.

Work by Dr. Lauren Ethridge, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma, focuses on Fragile X Syndrome, the most common genetic cause of autism and intellectual disability. Her team uses behavioral assessments and brain imaging to understand how sensory symptoms develop and affect learning.

Support Across Oklahoma

OU Health's reach extends far beyond Oklahoma City. Free developmental and autism screenings are available through partnerships with the Oklahoma State Health Department's Child Guidance program.

The Child Study Center JumpStart Clinic is an interdisciplinary preschool clinic evaluation for autism conducted at the center so families can receive referrals. referred and bring their children to us.

“We take great pride in providing thoughtful comprehensive evaluations with a DBP physician, psychologist, OT, nurse practitioner, and family partner,” said Dr. Bax.

The JumpStart Mobile Autism Clinic is currently planning to undergo training to establish a more robust primary care autism training program to better build capacity in local communities of need.

Sooner SUCCESS offers family navigation services, connecting you to the services you need and helping break down barriers to care. This family medical home model ensures you have a partner in coordinating your child's support.

By integrating these partnerships with Oklahoma Children’s comprehensive pediatric and developmental services, families benefit from a seamless approach that addresses both medical and developmental needs under one coordinated system.

What Families Can Expect

When you come to Oklahoma Children’s for autism services, you'll find a team that understands both the challenges and the strengths that come with autism.

"All autistic individuals deserve to live a happy and healthy life, and further, we all benefit from the inclusion of people who think differently in our society," Dr. Vanderburg said. "We can learn a lot from each other."

Whether you're just beginning to have concerns about your child's development or you're seeking specialized care for a child already diagnosed with autism, Oklahoma Children’s offers services designed around your family's unique needs.

Taking the Next Step

Starting the conversation about autism can feel overwhelming. Remember that early identification opens doors to services and support that can make a real difference in your child's life.

At Oklahoma Children’s, you’ll find a dedicated team of developmental and behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, therapists, and family support specialists who treat every child as an individual and walk alongside your family every step of the way.

Oklahoma Children’s goes beyond offering free screenings, thorough evaluations, and ongoing care. Our experts are committed to empowering families with knowledge, resources, and unwavering support. By choosing OU Health, you’re accessing a statewide leader in pediatric autism care, where advanced research, compassionate guidance, and a seamless, coordinated approach ensure your child receives the best possible start and ongoing support for lifelong success.

Learn more about developmental and behavioral services for children at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, or call the Child Study Center at (572) 244-0059.