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Brief Report: The Medical Care of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identifying the Needs

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Abstract

There is a lack of information concerning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially with regards to their access to health care. A paper and electronic survey was sent to 1,580 primary care physicians in Connecticut. 346 respondents returned a survey and provided care to adults with an ASD. This physician survey provides data on adults with ASD such as: reasons for physician visits, living arrangements, employment status, and any services they are receiving. Responses revealed inadequate training in the care of adults with an ASD and physicians interest in obtaining additional training. The ability to provide a medical home for adults with autism will need to address effective strategies to train current and future physicians.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, University of Connecticut, 263 Farmington Avenue, MC6222, Farmington, CT, 06030-6222, USA

    Mary Beth Bruder, Gerard Kerins, Cynthia Mazzarella & Jessica Sims

  2. Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, CT, USA

    Gerard Kerins

  3. University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

    Neil Stein

  4. Child Care Aware of Missouri, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Jessica Sims

Authors
  1. Mary Beth Bruder
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  2. Gerard Kerins
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  3. Cynthia Mazzarella
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  4. Jessica Sims
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  5. Neil Stein
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Correspondence to Mary Beth Bruder.

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Bruder, M.B., Kerins, G., Mazzarella, C. et al. Brief Report: The Medical Care of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identifying the Needs. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 2498–2504 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1496-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1496-x

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