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. 2017 Nov;47(11):3380-3391.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3251-9.

A Scoping Review of Health Disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick  1   2 , Amy J H Kind  3   4
Affiliations

A Scoping Review of Health Disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience increased morbidity and decreased life expectancy compared to the general population, and these disparities are likely exacerbated for those individuals who are otherwise disadvantaged. We conducted a review to ascertain what is known about health and health system quality (e.g., high quality care delivery, adequate care access) disparities in ASD. Nine studies met final inclusion criteria. Seven studies identified racial disparities in access to general medical services for children with ASD. No studies examined disparities in health outcomes or included older adults. We present a model of health disparities (Fundamental Causes Model) that guides future research. Additional work should examine health disparities, and their causal pathways, in ASD, particularly for older adults.

Keywords: Costs; Disparities; Ethnicity; Health; Morbidity; Race.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fundamental Causes Model of Health Disparities in ASD
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flowchart of Article Selection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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