Article By Taniya Gisel, Board Member / Writer at Latino and Urban Autism Awareness & Acceptance 

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sheds light on the challenges faced by adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as they transition from pediatric to adult health care. The findings underscore the need for improved coordination among healthcare programs and enhanced training for providers to meet the unique needs of adolescents with ASD.

Key Findings: Adolescents with ASD Face Unique Health Challenges

Higher Prevalence of Additional Conditions: Adolescents with ASD are 90% more likely to have additional mental health or other conditions compared to their peers. Approximately one in five has physical difficulties, and three in five have additional mental health or other conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety.

Disparities in Healthcare Services: While adolescents with ASD are more likely to receive mental health services, they are three times more likely to have unmet healthcare service needs compared to their counterparts without ASD.

Limited Healthcare Transition (HCT) Guidance: Only 1 in 13 adolescents with ASD receive the recommended guidance for transitioning from pediatric to adult health care. This guidance involves elements like private consultations with a primary care provider, setting health goals, and ensuring parents are informed about insurance plans.

Closing the Gaps: Strategies for Improving Healthcare Transitions

Provider Training: Healthcare providers should receive interdisciplinary training that equips them to address the unique healthcare needs of adolescents with ASD. This includes understanding and implementing healthcare transition planning starting at age 12.

Parental Advocacy: Parents play a crucial role in advocating for their child's healthcare needs. They should actively inquire about transition planning with their child’s pediatric healthcare providers.

Public Health Initiatives: Public health professionals can contribute by implementing strategies to reduce gaps in health service utilization. This involves promoting evidence-based programs, improving the delivery of care to be timely and family-centered, and supporting initiatives that facilitate successful healthcare transitions.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder:

In the United States, approximately 1 in 36 children is identified with ASD. As these children grow into adolescence and adulthood, ensuring treatment continuity becomes paramount for their long-term mental and physical health. Timely healthcare transition planning is a critical component that can mitigate potential disruptions in healthcare services for adolescents with ASD.

By addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, parents, and public health professionals, we can enhance the quality of care and support available to adolescents with ASD. This, in turn, will contribute to their overall well-being and successful transition into adult healthcare settings.

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Article By Latino and Urban Autism Awareness & Acceptance

DATA SOURCE: Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Health Care is Often Difficult for Adolescents with ASD | Autism | NCBDDD | CDC