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. 2019 Sep/Oct;73(5):7305185030p1-7305185030p11.
doi: 10.5014/ajot.2019.037226.

Examining Primary Care Health Encounters for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Leah I Stein Duker  1 , Hee Kyung Sadie Kim  2 , Amber Pomponio  3 , Laura Mosqueda  4 , Beth Pfeiffer  5
Affiliations

Examining Primary Care Health Encounters for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Leah I Stein Duker et al. Am J Occup Ther. 2019 Sep/Oct.

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to identify perceived barriers and strategies to improve primary care encounters, as reported by adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), caregivers of adults with ASD, and primary care providers (PCPs) treating adults with ASD.

Method: As part of a larger mixed-methods design, adults with ASD, caregivers, and PCPs (N = 78) in Los Angeles and Philadelphia completed surveys examining barriers to care and strategies to improve care.

Results: Multiple barriers to care were reported by adults with ASD and caregivers, including communication and sensory challenges. Adults with ASD and caregivers reported minimal use of strategies during primary care visits but indicated that those used were helpful during care. Expert PCPs reported using strategies more frequently than novice PCPs. All respondent groups endorsed that strategies had the potential to improve care in the future for adults with ASD.

Conclusion: Opportunities exist for occupational therapy collaboration in primary health care and primary care education to improve care for adults with ASD.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Strategies used by PCPs versus strategies perceived by adults with ASD and caregivers to improve care in future visits, as reported by adults with ASD and caregivers. Note. ASD = autism spectrum disorder; PCPs = primary care providers.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Strategies used by adults with ASD and caregivers and their perceived helpfulness during care, as reported by adults with ASD and caregivers. Note. ASD = autism spectrum disorder; PCP = primary care provider.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Strategies used by PCPs and their perceived benefit to improve care in future visits, as reported by novice and expert PCPs. Note. ASD = autism spectrum disorder; PCP = primary care provider.
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