Rachel K Myers1, Christina Labows2, Benjamin E Yerys3, Catherine C McDonald4, Emma B Sartin2, Cynthia J Mollen5, Allison E Curry6. 1. Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: myersr@chop.edu. 2. Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 3. Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 4. Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 5. Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 6. Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We surveyed healthcare providers to determine the extent to which they discuss transition-to-adulthood topics with autistic patients without intellectual disabilities. METHODS: Seventy-four healthcare providers in the Philadelphia area reported on the patient age at which they begin transition conversations, topics covered, and provider comfort. We calculated the proportion of providers who endorsed each transition topic, overall and by clinical setting. RESULTS: Providers initiated transition-related conversations at a median age of 16 years (IQR: 14, 18), with over half reporting they were "somewhat" or "a little" comfortable with discussions. Nearly all providers discussed at least one healthcare, well-being, and mental health topic, while basic need-related discussions were limited. DISCUSSION: Results suggest providers may delay and feel poorly prepared to provide anticipatory guidance to autistic patients for transition to adulthood. Future efforts to enhance the available resources and preparation available to providers are essential to meet autistic patients' needs.
PURPOSE: We surveyed healthcare providers to determine the extent to which they discuss transition-to-adulthood topics with autistic patients without intellectual disabilities. METHODS: Seventy-four healthcare providers in the Philadelphia area reported on the patient age at which they begin transition conversations, topics covered, and provider comfort. We calculated the proportion of providers who endorsed each transition topic, overall and by clinical setting. RESULTS: Providers initiated transition-related conversations at a median age of 16 years (IQR: 14, 18), with over half reporting they were "somewhat" or "a little" comfortable with discussions. Nearly all providers discussed at least one healthcare, well-being, and mental health topic, while basic need-related discussions were limited. DISCUSSION: Results suggest providers may delay and feel poorly prepared to provide anticipatory guidance to autistic patients for transition to adulthood. Future efforts to enhance the available resources and preparation available to providers are essential to meet autistic patients' needs.
Keywords:
Activities of daily living; Adolescent health services; Autism spectrum disorder; Delivery of healthcare; Quality of life; Transition to adult care
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