With the mission to spread happiness one meal at a time, OKC’s Taquitos Feliz is just the ticket for authentic Mexican fare.
Begin your culinary journey with an antojito (appetizer). Options include chicken flautas, mulitas, tortas and quesadillas. After, the world’s your oyster. Peruse a variety of item sections, from fajitas to burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Fillings include skirt steak, chicken, fried or marinated pork, beef tongue or veggies. Those who are extra hungry should try the combo plates – ranging from chimichangas to enchiladas, burritos, carne asada and carnitas.
Other draws of Taquitos Feliz include the excellent deals. Visit for Happy Hour, every day except Tuesday, from 3-6 p.m. for .99 cent carnita, chicken and adobada tacos. Taco Tuesday means this deal happens all day long! There are also weekend specials, junior deals and other goodies that ensure you leave with a full belly and a happy wallet.
Chef Alex Figueira, owner of Dr. Kustom, was recently named a James Beard Award semi-finalist. Photos by Stephanie Phillips
Tuesday evening, 8:00 p.m. The crowds have long departed, and quiet falls over the vast hall of Tulsa’s Mother Road Market. But in one corner, a few lucky diners – all of whom have reserved their place months before, all excited to have dinner prepared by a James Beard semi-finalist – gather around a table set with fine linen. In the tiny, immaculate kitchen of Alex and Gi Figueira’s emporium of all culinary things Brazil – called Doctor Kustom – an event named Chef’s Table begins.
“I love to talk to my customers, and that’s one thing I love about Chef’s Table,” says Alex – debonair, intelligent and full of energy – as he takes a steak and deftly minces it. The tiny pieces will be mixed with bone marrow and spices and served as the first course of an elegant fine-dining banquet. As Alex and Gi, his wife and co-chef, prepare the dazzling procession of dishes, talk to them. You’ll learn a lot.
You’ll learn that Alex was born in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, a land of cattle drives and cowboys not that far from Buenos Aires. His parents struggled hard to put food on the table. One day, when Alex was five, his father was injured at work and his mother had to care for him. Alex offered to help and quickly learned to cook rice and beans for the family.
Over the years, he learned many recipes from his mother and grandmother, and often cooked for family and friends.
“Sunday, we cooked a lot,” he recalls, “the whole family was in the kitchen.”
But he never thought of being a chef. He went through college, got a degree in chemistry, studied information technology along the way, got a job with Cisco Systems. He met a young woman online, a biologist, and one day they met in person. It was love at first sight, and they’ve been together ever since. As Alex cooks, you’ll see the date they met, December 9, 2001, tattooed on his arm.
Must-tries include the pastel, stuffed with chicken pastel, cheese, cream cheese, jalapeño slices and corn, and the salted cod fritter (below) with confit garlic mayo, coconut charcoal, caviar and chives.
“I need to have projects to do,” he says. “Sometimes I have five or six in my mind. Some I never do but many I finish.”
One such idea led him to build motorcycles. He started a motorcycle company in 2013, also named Doctor Kustom. Another idea led him to Tulsa, where he became chef of the local branch of Texas de Brazil. And then, one day in 2019, he thought: I can cook and I can build motorcycles, so I can build a food truck. And he did. A year later, the culinary iteration of Dr. Kustom found a permanent home at Mother Road Market.
There’s a kind of pastry in Brazil called a pastel. Everyone loves them, so that’s what the Figueiras decided to sell first. But they’re not easy to make – they’re built in layers like a croissant. Every morning, Alex stretches a ten foot sheet of dough on the table, drizzles it with cachaca (“that’s my secret ingredient,” he says), rolls, folds, slices, puts in a variety of fillings and finally cooks. These are still the restaurant’s most popular product, with the possible exception of the picanha sandwich.
Every Thursday morning, Figueira hand-cuts enough picanha steaks for 50 sandwiches. Since each sandwich has around seventy paper-thin slices, that’s well over 3,000 slices. (“That’s all my arm can do,” he says.) Rich and bursting with flavor, picanha – or sirloin cap – is a neglected cut of beef, and some have called this the best sandwich in Tulsa.
“And we just bought a dry-ager for steaks!” exults Alex. So a great thing will get even better.
It’s late on Tuesday evening, and Chef’s Table is winding down. The diners have feasted, perhaps on a huge sizzling tomahawk steak cooked tableside or perhaps on moqeca, a savory seafood stew, made with tomatoes, lime, coconut milk and coriander and brought from Angola to Brazil. No matter what has been made, though, everyone leaves Alex’s table happy.
“Everyone’s a little nervous before the first course is served,” he says, “but by the end everyone has bonded and it’s like a big family meal.”
Available at Chef’s Table dinners, try the aged picanha aged with yucca mousseline, heart of palm grilled in smoked butter, black truffles and açaí sauce.Chef Alex prepares a Picanha Sandwich.The popular Picanha Sandwich is only served on Thursdays. The popular Picanha Sandwich is only served on Thursdays. Pastels are a best seller at Dr. Kustom. Chef Alex at work.
Serving food that “loves you back,” Plant is an all-day cafe with a variety of plant-based, gluten-, soy- and dairy-free, locally sourced goodies. The menu begins with the beverages, from freshly squeezed orange juice and chai lattes to boozy offerings like wine, champagne and sangria.
Smoothies and smoothie bowls are another popular get, with a variety of add-ins to tempt, ranging from almond butter and kale to chia seeds, ashwagandha and cacao powder.
For those looking for something heartier, check out the breakfast menu, served all day. Options include a breakfast hash, burrito, waffles and oatmeal. Toast variations range from the classic avocado to the hummus and pesto, banana and almond, or caramel and apple. Lunch bites include chickpea salad, plus black bean and sweet potato tacos and a veggie burger. Stick around for lunch bowls, alongside specialty brunch items only available on weekends.
Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar
Photo courtesy Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar
A distinct and welcoming institution with locations in OKC, Tulsa and Jenks – with more venues opening soon – Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar is the perfect stop for afternoon snacking, a swanky late night drink or something in between.
Many may not know Sidecar has plenty of food options alongside the extensive drink menu. Starters have a variety of highlights –most popularly the mighty butcher board, complete with cured meats, cheeses, roasted tomatoes, artichoke, olives, figs and pita. Other goodies include salmon, smoked trout dip, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta and chips and dip. Flatbreads and sandwiches will also entice; try the BBQ chicken flatbread or the grilled cheese panini.
But Sidecar has the word ‘bar’ in its name for a reason. Specialty and signature cocktails run the gamut, from the Maker’s Manhatty – with Maker’s Mark, vermouth and angostura bitters in a smoked highball – to the Rendition, with whiskey, spiced rum, blended Amaro’s, espresso, vanilla syrup and chocolate bitters. As its name suggests, there are plenty of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as varied spirits and beer.
Photo courtesy The Tavern
The Tavern
A beloved Tulsa institution, The Tavern is the go-to for after-concert late-night bites, a major celebration, cocktails with friends or a family meal.
Although the menu changes seasonally, some staples remain all year-round. To start, try the deviled egg trifecta or the angry mac and cheese, with smoked gouda, garlic, fontina and bread crumbs (a note from a wimpy diner – this one’s spicy). Popular dinner orders include the strip steak for two, the Tavern burger and the fish and chips. For lunch, try the French dip, the pastrami sandwich or the chicken fried steak.
Alongside hearty meals to suit any palate, the joint has signature cocktails, plus ample wine, beers and spirits. Try the Summer Babe, with your choice of vodka or gin, plus aperol, elderflower or lime, or the Bengali Gimlet, with gin, curried nectar, lime and lemon.
Photo courtesy The Mug
The Mug
For a laid-back atmosphere and a sports pub vibe, visit OKC’s The Mug.
For starts, try the nachos, fried pickles, housemade Southwestern egg rolls, wings or a sample platter of everything. For those hankering for a steak, try the ribeye or sirloin, served with a Caesar salad and your choice of side, like mash potatoes, shrimp skewers, coleslaw or okra.
Other can’t-miss entrees include chicken fried chicken, catfish, beef tips, plus an assortment of pizza, burgers and sandwiches. Leave room for dessert: cheese cake, s’mores skillets, carrot cake or bread pudding await you.
If you’re on the hunt for a great deal, The Mug also offers Happy Hour everyday from 3-6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to midnight, with the deal extending all day on Saturday. During these times, you can enjoy $2.50 pints and $3.50 domestic draft beers.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade, 2022
From stand-up to dance, musicals and symphonies, May is jam-packed with goodies.
At the Tulsa PAC, visit May 3-12 for American Theatre Company’s rendition of Under the Skin. May 4 brings Golden Girls: The Laugh Continues, with a repeat performance at OKC’s Civic Center the next night, and you’ll see Tulsa Symphony’s season closer, Mahler 5, on May 11. Celebrity Attractions brings the heat with Tina – The Tina Turner Musical from May 14-19, and Theatre Tulsa Academy offers Willy Wonka Jr. from May 24-26.
Around town, head to the Lorton Performance Center for Tulsa Ballet’s Signature Series on May 9-12, which features works from Luciano Cannito, Joshua Bergasse and Andrew McNicol. Comedian Bert Kreischer also visits the BOK Center on May 17 (or you can see him the night before at Durant’s Winstar World Casino and Resort).
At the OKC Civic Center, begin the month with An Evening with Bernadette Peters, May 3-4. She’ll join the OKC Philharmonic for a night of unforgettable music and entertainment. Stick around for OKC Phil’s second performance of the month, Tosca, on May 18. OKC Ballet brings its annual Shorts performance May 10-12, and you won’t want to miss the musical Mamma Mia! from May 21-25, brought to town by OKC Broadway. Lastly at the Civic, watch Canterbury Voices’ Crescendo on May 30. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Gaylord Academy presents two shows this month: Mean Girls on May 3-5 and High School Musical Jr. on May 10-12. In Edmond, enjoy Celtic Throne on May 5.
It’s the perfect time (and temperature!) to enjoy some outdoor sporting events in Oklahoma.
Baseball and softball rule the May calendar. At Tulsa’s ONEOK Field, watch the Drillers play America’s favorite pastime on May 1-5, 14-19, 27 and 29-31. In OKC, the Oklahoma City Baseball Club (formerly the OKC Dodgers) play at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark May 1-5 and 21-26.
There’s plenty of collegiate games in May. The Sooners and the Cowboys play baseball at home – L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman and O’Brate Stadium in Stillwater, respectively – on May 10-12. And you can catch the reigning champs, the OU Sooners softball team, at home on Love’s Field May 3-5. If you’re missing the Cowgirls, worry not –the Big 12 Softball Championships return to the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex from May 8-11 in OKC.
But more sports than baseball and softball take center stage. Visit Tulsa’s BOK Center for Tulsa Oilers football on May 3, and return May 11 for Bulls, Bands and Barrels – offering bull riding, barrel racing and live music. At Expo Square, watch the OKRVA regional volleyball championships on May 3-5 and the Breeder’s Invitational May 11-25. At the OKC Fairgrounds, you won’t want to miss the 24th Annual Cowboys of Color Rodeo on May 4 and the Route 66 Morgan Classic Horse Show on May 23-25.
Around the state, other sporting events to enjoy include the Special Olympics Summer Games, May 15-17 at Stillwater High School; the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, May 24-26 at Will Rogers Stampede Arena in Claremore; and the Twister City Roller Derby Bout, May 18 t Edmond’s Arctic Edge Ice Arena.
Grab your family, friends or partner and visit a variety of community events this month.
Kick your month off at the German American Society-Tulsa’s Germanfest, May 3-5. Then, walk over to River West Festival park for the annual Tour de Tulsa, a cycling event that’s been truckin’ for more than 30 years. One of the city’s most anticipated events, Tulsa International Mayfest, returns to downtown from May 10-12. Visit Expo Square for the Oddities & Curiosities Expo, May 11-12, as well as the Tulsa Festival of Kites at Tulsa Wind Riders headquarters, also on May 10-12. The John Hope Franklin National Symposium closes out the month on May 31 at the Lorton Performance Center. There, you can discuss racial reconciliation and learn about active advocacy efforts to heal racial divides worldwide.
In OKC, the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival kicks off May 3-5 at15 W. Campbell St. in Edmond. Make a short trip to enjoy the Norman Pride Festival, May 3-5 citywide. Circle back around to OKC for the Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival, May 18 at the OKC Fairgrounds; the Chuck Wagon Festival, May 25-26 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum; and the Paseo Arts Festival, May 25-27 in the historic Paseo District.
Around the state, enjoy a panoply of other events, ranging from the Tumbleweed Calf Fry, May 2-4 at Stillwater’s 5212 W. Lakeview Rd.; the Prague Kolache Festival, May 4 at Main Street at City Park; the McAlester Italian Festival, May 10-11 at the Southeast Expo Center; or the Stilwell Strawberry Festival, May 11 in downtown Stilwell. Other goodies range from the Bixby BBQ and Blues Festival, May 16-18 at Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum, or the Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma,May 30-June 1 at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes; photo courtesy 20th Century Studios, all rights reserved
May has arrived and with it, a variety of films to enjoy. There are a panoply of genres this month, so grab some overpriced – but entirely necessary – popcorn and head into the theater.
Start the month off with a bang and check out The Fall Guy. Based on a 1980s television series of the same name, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers, a past-his-prime stuntman who finds himself trying to locate the missing star of Jody Moreno’s (Emily Blunt) new movie. The trailer offers a lot of action set pieces and Gosling has charm to spare. The film is directed by David Leitch, known for John Wick and Bullet Train, who is no stranger to excellent action choreography, so hopefully it shines through when it releases on May 3.
For your spooky fix, make sure to catch I Saw the TV Glow. A horror-thriller distributed by A24, the movie revolves around two teens who reminisce about a TV show they used to watch. The trailer shows off some bizarre imagery, seemingly blurring the lines between reality and fiction as strange events happen. The horror element might be light, as the tone feels more coming-of-age in a wholly unique fashion, but we’ll find out together (and hold hands if it’s scary) when it comes out on May 3.
For some science fiction with a long and unwieldy title, look no further than Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The fourth film in the Planet of the Apes rebooted series and set nearly 300 years after the last film, the story shows that ape civilizations have grown rapidly while humanity has regressed to a feral state. When the leader of the apes begins to enslave certain clans, a chimpanzee decides to take action. The CGI and motion capture on display is, as it was in previous films, phenomenal. Andy Serkis, who played the lead role in the other entries, will be sorely missed this time around, but hopefully this story can stand on its own when it releases on May 10.
For a biographical drama, make sure to see Back to Black. The film tells the story of the meteoritic rise and tragically early end of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, played by Marisa Abela. The film will likely hit all the highs and lows of her life, including the creation of her international hit “Rehab.” It co-stars Jack O’Connell and Eddie Marsan and is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who also directed a (moderately) well-received biopic about John Lennon. It hits theaters on May 17.
Lastly, get your post-apocalyptic fare with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as a young Furiosa, a character that first appeared in Mad Max: Fury Road played by Charlize Theron, the prequel looks to tell her origin story as she tangles with Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) and tries to find her way home. George Miller returns to direct and it looks to be an action packed thrill ride. It releases on May 24.
Main image: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes; photo courtesy 20th Century Studios, all rights reserved
Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa/Gilcrease Museum
Tapped as Gilcrease Museum’s newest executive director, Brian Lee Whisenhunt began his tenure on April 15. Most previously, Whisenhunt was the executive director at New York’s Rockwell Museum, serving on the board of directors of the Museum Association of New York and as a peer reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation Commission.
A Tulsa native, Whisenhunt received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art history from the University of Oklahoma before working at such institutions as the Wichita (Kansas) Art Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin, the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Ind., and the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas. We caught up with Whisenhunt and got his thoughts on …
… what he’s looking forward to right off the bat.
It’s an exhilarating moment as I step into the role of executive director, ready to lead the Gilcrease team into an exciting new chapter! In my first few months, I’ll be pursuing two distinct paths: immersing myself in our ongoing construction projects and connecting with the vibrant communities we serve.
… returning to his hometown and helming Gilcrease.
Gilcrease and the other cultural institutions of Tulsa were a lifeline to me growing up – a bridge to a world of ideas, culture and expression. Coming back to lead Gilcrease means the world to me. It’s so much more than a professional opportunity. This is a passion project! My mission is to spark inspiration in the next generation of museum goers, encouraging them to pursue their passions and interests with the foundation of the self-awareness and community regard that only an innovative museum experience can provide.
… specific Gilcrease pieces he’s excited about seeing.
I’m so excited to see so many ‘old friends’ familiar to me from growing up with the Gilcrease collection, but also eager to learn how the collection has evolved in the past few years. I’m particularly interested in artists bringing new perspectives and innovation to traditional techniques and materials. I won’t play favorites – or at least not yet!
… moving back to Tulsa.
There is so much of what I loved about growing up in Tulsa still foundational to the experience of the city – but also so much that has been added! I can’t wait to revisit my old haunts like Cherry Street and Philbrook, but I’m also thrilled to get to know the new organizations and community spaces that have grown up in the time I’ve been away, like the Woody Guthrie Center and Gathering Place. I also can’t wait to explore Tulsa’s expanded food scene. (Please invite me to lunch at your favorite spot!) The city has such a vibrant and evolving culinary culture.
… how Gilcrease can transform Tulsa.
In 10 years, the community will see their experiences at Gilcrease as essential and integral to their lives and the community in a way they may not currently. The continued expansion of the collections will help people to truly see themselves and understand the world around them more clearly. Plus, I know the rich and varied exhibitions, innovative programs, signature events and creative activities in development will be an even stronger part of the true Tulsa experience.
… his free time.
You’ll find me and my husband, Mitchell, enjoying the city’s trails and parks with our two dogs, Stella Jo and Nova Dee. We’ll most certainly be regulars at the Farmers Market, looking for the best Oklahoma produce (bring on the okra!) to serve family and friends. Likewise, dining out at all the great restaurants with new and old friends alike will certainly be a part of our routine. And of course, we’re eager to engage in the abundant arts and cultural programming and events offered in my beautiful hometown.
The Swiss alpine village that pretty much invented winter tourism is still at it – and still doing it better than anybody else. When it comes to this splash of posh high in the Alps, superlatives reign: St. Moritz is the most storied, most picturesque, sunniest, glitziest, most like a fairytale, the crème-est de la crème.
Lucky explorers first stumbled upon the therapeutic mineral waters at St. Moritz some three thousand years ago, but it wasn’t until 1864 that hotelier Johannes Badrutt dared his summer guests to do something preposterous – come back to St. Moritz that winter for fun and games. Well, they took him up on his bet, had a glorious time in the valley’s winter sun, and the games were on.
The Bernina Express
Olympic bobsled events were held in 1928 and 1948 and before that, in 1904, the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympic Bobrun was created for British tourists. The run has hosted 24 world championships. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a friend and climb on board a four-person sled (with a driver and a brakeman) for an exhilarating one-mile run down icy chicanes at speeds surpassing 80 mph.
The red narrow-gauge Glacier Express from Zermatt brings you to St. Moritz in style. It takes eight hours for the train to make the 180-mile journey, but with alpine scenery like this, you’ll be thinking even 22 mph is too fast. Raclette and wine are waiting in the dining car.
When it’s time to leave town, consider the handsome red Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy, over the 7,400-foot Bernina Pass. Using innovative methods like spiral (helical) tunnels, the grade has been reduced considerably, but in some places it’s still as much as seven percent, the steepest in the world for electrified trains without cogwheels.
Lake St. Moritz
The most photographed of the Bernina railway line’s 196 bridges is the Landwasser Viaduct built in 1902, a gently curving limestone bridge featuring six tall, graceful arches. For its technical and architectural achievements, the route from Thusis, Switzerland, to Tirano has been named a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Lake St. Moritz is a natural draw. It’s great fun in the summer to circumambulate the snow-fed lake and watch the sailboats, paddleboards and canoes. The three-mile saunter will set you up nicely for dinner. Beyond the lake, summertime diversions include golf (four courses in the area), indoor ice skating, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, horseback riding and fishing the Inn River, whose waters ultimately join the Danube.
Lake St. Moritz
Winter brings a bit more variety: skiing (Nordic and alpine, naturally), ice hockey, ice skating, polo on ice, horseracing on ice, greyhound racing on ice, even cricket on ice. The mountains cradling St. Moritz offer more than 200 miles of ski runs. But to be fair, the gondolas, ski lifts and funiculars stay just as busy in the summer as they do in the winter.
Shopping in St. Moritz is, as you might guess, both exclusive and expensive. All the big designer names are on hand along with shops selling watches, jewelry and things like gnarled folkloric woodcarvings of natives in Swiss costumes.
Plazza de Scoula
The resort community is old-school, dominated by large grande dame hotels. Remember Johannes Badrutt? His namesake is the city’s crown jewel, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, opened by his son on Lake St. Moritz in 1896 and where Alfred Hitchcock liked to winter. Indoor/outdoor infinity pool, first-rate spa, numerous bars and gourmet restaurants.
Also consider Suvretta House, an elegant Belle Époque ski-in and ski-out hotel with shopping boutiques and wellness center. And a third choice: the legendary Kulm Hotel in the heart of St. Moritz, a splendid property Johannes Badrutt opened in 1856 that comes complete with its own nine-hole golf course. But be forewarned: the word Kulm comes from the Latin for “hill.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 36 children in the United States have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – an increase from the previous rate of one in 44 – and boys are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. A complex condition with no definitive cause, autism is known as a spectrum disorder because the type and severity of symptoms can vary greatly by individual.
“Often, symptoms are noticeable by 18 months, and autism can be reliably diagnosed by professionals by age two. Unfortunately, the average age of diagnosis for most children is closer to five years old,” says Robyn Cowperthwaite, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health and division chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences in Oklahoma City.
She says a child with autism demonstrates persistent difficulties with social and emotional interaction and communication, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests.
“A lack of social/emotional reciprocity can look like limited social interest, lack of back-and-forth conversation, reduced sharing of interests and emotion with others, or failure to start and respond to social interactions,” says Cowperthwaite. “Reduced understanding and sharing of non-verbal communication is notable to include abnormalities in eye contact, body language, gestures and facial expression. Those with autism also show difficulties with developing, maintaining and understanding relationships. Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors can be demonstrated by the need for things to always be the same – this can include the need for behavioral rituals and routines, feeling overly stressed by small changes or having highly specific areas of interest. Many children demonstrate repetitive or stereotyped movements.”
She says early intervention is critical and allows for earlier assistance in skill building to reduce the impact of communication deficits.
“Early intervention in speech and language therapy can increase skills with verbal communication at school and with caregivers,” says Cowperthwaite. “Occupational therapy can better determine sensory sensitivities and teach skills to allow a child to be as independent as possible with dressing, eating, bathing, writing and relating to people. Applied Behavior Analysis can assist schools and families with increasing more socially appropriate and adaptive behaviors. These therapies combined can increase the child’s enjoyment of and participation in more typical childhood activities.”
There are three functional levels of autism to help identify the level of support a patient needs. Level 3 requires very substantial support, Level 2 requires substantial support, and Level 1 requires support. For example, a child with a Level 3 diagnosis may be non-verbal and need assistance with many daily activities.
“This could require several specialized therapies throughout the week and the need for near-constant supervision,” she says. “Support can look like assistive technology to aid in communication or a specific classroom environment. Some children show significant mood swings, irritability or aggression when exact routines and rituals are interrupted or when faced with unliked activities.”
For all levels of autism, Cowperthwaite says an individualized education should be developed and implemented in the school setting.
If a parent suspects their child may be autistic, a discussion with their primary care physician is a great place to start.
“Pediatricians are completing developmental screenings at the 9-, 18- and 30-month mark at the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics and autism specific screens are recommended at 18- and 24-months,” says Cowperthwait, adding that the CDC has materials available to help parents track their child’s developmental milestones in order to share concerns with their child’s physician.
“A primary care doctor can then refer to a specialist who can complete a more in-depth evaluation,” she says. “Developmental pediatricians, child neurologists and child psychiatrists can all diagnose autism, and often recommend confirming the diagnosis via psychological testing with a pediatric psychologist or neuropsychologist.”
