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Researchers identify gaps in care in patients with autism

Although significant strides have been made in helping youths with autism transition to adulthood, there are still areas where research can help facilitate this process and overcome the challenges these patients face, according to a recent report in Pediatric Annals.

The authors added that health care providers versed in these topics are well-suited to help these patients have better outcomes and to support those patients with autism requiring higher levels of care.

“Despite gains in resources available to children with [autism spectrum disorder (ASD)], improvements in the overall adult outcome continue to reflect a highly variable and generally poor prognosis,” Fred R. Volkmar, MD, professor, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote. “We summarize the challenges faced by youth with ASD as they transition into adulthood and note areas where more research is needed.

According to Volkmar and colleagues, additional studies are needed on:

•anxiety and depression, specifically on behavioral intervention options;

•depression, particularly the use of psychotropic medications;

•psychosis, especially in the area of associating ASD with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder;

•bullying, particularly the design of social skills training for these patients;

•substance abuse, especially on treatment strategies; and

•postsecondary education, specifically in providing resources to prepare students for this time of their life.

“Although a subset of adults with ASD is able to achieve high levels of self-sufficiency and independence during adulthood, in general, this population still faces many challenges and obstacles throughout their transition,” Volkmar and colleagues wrote. “Continued research focus on the development and validation of early and appropriate preparation programs, the identification of risk factors that hinder progress, and efforts to increase the quality and availability of support services (eg, social skills training) catered to the needs of this population as they attempt to navigate the adult world are critical.”

They also stated that medical support should include a continued emphasis on continuity of care and integration of the medical home model.

“Progress in these key areas will help ensure that adults with ASD meet their full potential and improve the quality of life for them and their loved ones,” Volkmar and colleagues concluded.

Healio Family Medicine recently spoke with Susan E. Levy, MD, MPH, a neurodevelopmental disabilities pediatrician and medical director of the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about several strategies, including awareness of comorbidities, for clinicians to use when working with families who have children with autism. – by Janel Miller

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.