Journal article
Lifespan service receipt and unmet needs among individuals on the autism spectrum
Administration and policy in mental health and mental health services research, v 49(4), pp 694-705
2022
PMID: 35320442
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Timely data on service use and needs across the lifespan are essential to developing an effective and efficient service delivery system that is responsive to developmental issues. This study uses data from one of the largest statewide surveys conducted between 2017 and 2018 to compare service use and unmet needs among individuals on the autism spectrum across the lifespan. A statewide sample of 5792 caregivers of autistic children and adults were included in the study. Logistic regressions were conducted to compare service use and need among six age groups ranging from early childhood (0–5 years) to later adulthood (31+) while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. We found that the transition-age adult group (18–21 years) was less likely to receive services, including speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, one-on-one support, and social skill training, than adolescents. However, case management and mental health services increased with age. Young adults (22–30 years) were more likely to report unmet needs than both adolescents and transition-age adult groups. The use of services overall decrease and service needs increased compared to results from an earlier statewide survey that was conducting in 2009–2010. These results can be used to inform developmentally appropriate autism-related healthcare policies and service development and delivery. This study offers a more detailed look at differences between adult age subgroups that are novel. Further research is needed about the prevalence of ASD in adulthood, clinical trajectories, and outcomes in order to support autistic adults in getting the appropriate services and supports.
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Details
- Title
- Lifespan service receipt and unmet needs among individuals on the autism spectrum
- Creators
- Wei Song - Temple UniversityMark S. Salzer - Temple UniversityStacy L. Nonnemacher - Pennsylvania Department of Human ServicesLindsay Shea - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Administration and policy in mental health and mental health services research, v 49(4), pp 694-705
- Publisher
- Springer US
- Grant note
- Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT) Collaborative Eastern Region / Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Getting Out There: Identifying Individual, Environmental, and Service Use Factors Associated with Community Participation among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder / Eagles Autism Foundation UJ2MC31073 / Health Resources and Services Administration (http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100000102)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000772275100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85126851994
- Other Identifier
- 991019167418704721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Health Policy & Services
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health