[HTML][HTML] Health concerns and health service utilization in a population cohort of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

JA Weiss, B Isaacs, H Diepstra, AS Wilton… - Journal of autism and …, 2018 - Springer
JA Weiss, B Isaacs, H Diepstra, AS Wilton, HK Brown, C McGarry, Y Lunsky
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2018Springer
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have many health needs that place
demands on the health service sector. This study used administrative data to compare
health profiles in young adults 18–24 years of age with ASD to peers with and without other
developmental disability. Young adults with ASD were more likely to have almost all the
examined clinical health issues and health service use indicators compared to peers without
developmental disability. They were more likely to have at least one psychiatric diagnosis …
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have many health needs that place demands on the health service sector. This study used administrative data to compare health profiles in young adults 18–24 years of age with ASD to peers with and without other developmental disability. Young adults with ASD were more likely to have almost all the examined clinical health issues and health service use indicators compared to peers without developmental disability. They were more likely to have at least one psychiatric diagnosis, and visit the family physician, pediatrician, psychiatrist, and emergency department for psychiatric reasons, compared to peers with other developmental disability. Planning for the mental health care of transition age adults with ASD is an important priority for health policy.
Springer