Journal article
Emergency Visits for Autistic Children and Children With ADHD
PEDIATRICS, v 149, e2020049437V
Apr 2022
PMID: 35363295
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Autistic children and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have more frequent visits to the emergency department (ED). We aim to identify the primary reasons for ED visits among autistic children and children with ADHD, compared to a random sample of visits. METHODS: Using 2008 to 2017 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample data, we assessed the most frequent primary diagnoses for ED visits among children (ages 3-12 and 13-18 years, separately) (1) with an autism diagnosis, (2) with ADHD, and (3) a random sample (1000000 visits). We regressed primary reasons for visits on autism or ADHD diagnosis, controlling for individual characteristics, to assess the odds of presenting for these reasons. RESULTS: Although the 10 most frequent diagnoses among the random sample were physical health conditions, autistic children and children with ADHD often presented for psychiatric conditions. Older children with autism and with ADHD more frequently presented for mood disorders (10%-15% of visits; odds ratios [ORs] = 5.2-8.5) and intentional self-harm (ORs = 3.2-5.0). Younger children with ADHD more commonly presented with mood disorders (6.6% of visits; OR = 18.3) and younger autistic children more often presented with attention-deficit, conduct, and disruptive behavior disorders (9.7% of visits; OR = 9.7). CONCLUSIONS: Autistic children and children with ADHD have higher odds of presenting to the ED for psychiatric conditions than a random sample, including for self-harm. Clinicians should treat these populations sensitively, recognize and assess the risk for self-harm, and facilitate continuing psychiatric care.
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Details
- Title
- Emergency Visits for Autistic Children and Children With ADHD
- Publication Details
- PEDIATRICS, v 149, e2020049437V
- Publisher
- AMER ACAD PEDIATRICS; ELK GROVE VILLAGE
- Grant note
- This study was supported by NIH grant 5R01MH117653-02. This project was also supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services under UJ2MC31073, Maternal and Child Health-Autism Transitions Research Project and UT2MC39440, Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. The content and conclusions presented are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by the HRSA, the US Department of Health and Human Services, or the US Government. The NIH and HRSA had no role in the design or conduct of this study. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Drexel University
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000917950200020
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85127424377
- Other Identifier
- 991021861308504721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Pediatrics