Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can affect behavior, communication, and social interaction. Some signs might show up as early as infancy but usually become more noticeable in the toddler years. Early identification is crucial for accessing support and improving outcomes. Continued investment in early screening, culturally competent care, and diagnostic capacity is essential to support children and families throughout Riverside County and the Coachella Valley. UCR Health Pediatrician, E. Caroline McGowan, MD, MS, provides further insight into recognizing signs of children’s autism and how to consult adequate resources after diagnosis.

Recognizing the Signs 

While some signs of autism are evident, others can be subtle:

• Communication Challenges: Delayed speech, limited eye contact, or difficulty understanding nonverbal cues. 

• Social Interaction Difficulties: Preferring solitude, struggling to make friends, or not responding to their name. 

• Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements, routines, or fixations on specific interests. 

• Sensory Sensitivities: Overreacting or underreacting to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. 

• Emotional Regulation: Experiencing intense reactions to minor changes or frustrations. 

These signs can vary widely among individuals. If concerns arise, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. 

Steps for Evaluation 

1. Consult Your Pediatrician: Discuss any observed behaviors or concerns. 

2. Developmental Screening: Pediatricians may use standardized tools to assess developmental milestones. 

3. Referral for Comprehensive Evaluation: If needed, a specialist can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if ASD is present. 

Local Resources in Riverside and Coachella Valley 

• Autism Society Inland Empire: Offers diagnostic assistance and support services.  
  • https://ieautism.org/
• SEARCH Center at UC Riverside: Provides assessments and resources for families.  
  • https://searchcenter.ucr.edu/

• Autism Behavior Services, Inc.: Offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in Riverside County.  
  • https://autismbehaviorservices.com/

• Coachella Valley Lighthouse: Provides early intervention services using ABA principles. 
  • https://www.cvlighthouse.com/

Understanding the Causes 

Research indicates that autism arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors: 

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations and family history can increase the likelihood of ASD. 

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposures, such as maternal health conditions or certain environmental toxins, may contribute to risk.  

Vaccines and Autism 

Extensive research has shown no link between vaccines and autism. Studies involving large populations have consistently found that vaccines are safe and not associated with an increased risk of ASD.   

One of the most comprehensive studies was conducted in Denmark and published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine. This large-scale, population-based study examined over 500,000 children and found no association between the MMR vaccine and autism. Similarly, a 2019 study in Annals of Internal Medicine involving over 650,000 Danish children reaffirmed these findings, showing no increased risk of autism associated with MMR vaccination—even among children who had siblings with autism, a group considered at higher risk for the condition. 

Other studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries have also consistently shown no causal link between vaccines and autism. For example, after Japan removed the MMR vaccine from its national schedule in the 1990s due to public concern, autism rates continued to rise—demonstrating that removing the vaccine had no impact on autism prevalence. 

Researchers have also explored whether thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative previously used in some vaccines, could be linked to autism. Extensive investigations by the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization found no credible evidence of harm. Moreover, thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in all routine childhood vaccines in the U.S. since the early 2000s, yet autism diagnoses have continued to rise—further confirming that thimerosal was not a factor. 

In summary, the scientific consensus is clear: vaccines do not cause autism. 

Prevalence 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. The increase in diagnoses is attributed to improved awareness and better diagnostic tools. 

California has made strides in early autism diagnosis. The median age of diagnosis for 8-year-old children in the state was 36 months, earlier than the national median of 49 months . Early identification is crucial for accessing interventions that can improve long-term outcomes 

Barriers to care 

Families in Riverside County and the Coachella Valley often face significant challenges when seeking autism diagnosis and support services. One of the primary barriers is limited access to specialists. There is a shortage of pediatric developmental experts in the region, which often results in long wait times for appointments. For families living in rural or desert areas—particularly in the eastern Coachella Valley—accessing care frequently requires long-distance travel, sometimes hours away, which adds both logistical and financial strain. 

Language and cultural barriers also contribute to delays in diagnosis. Many families in these areas speak Spanish as their primary language, and when services are not linguistically or culturally appropriate, it can lead to misunderstandings about the evaluation process or hesitation in seeking help. In some communities, cultural stigma around developmental disorders and mental health issues can further discourage families from pursuing evaluation and support. 

Insurance and financial hurdles compound these difficulties. While California mandates insurance coverage for autism-related services, families with Medi-Cal often have limited provider options, and navigating the insurance approval process for therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or speech therapy can be time-consuming and confusing. Additionally, early screening and referral processes are not always consistent across primary care clinics. In resource-limited settings, providers may lack the time or tools to perform standardized developmental screenings or recognize the subtler signs of autism, delaying referrals for formal assessments. 

Challenges also arise within the educational system. While schools may offer evaluations, these assessments are typically designed to determine eligibility for special education services, not to provide a formal medical diagnosis. Families often face delays in obtaining Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and a shortage of qualified staff like school psychologists can further impede timely intervention. 

Despite these challenges, local organizations are working to improve access. The SEARCH Center at UC Riverside, Autism Society Inland Empire, and First 5 Riverside provide bilingual support services, diagnostic resources, and care navigation to help families bridge these gaps.