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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2024CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Reported Barriers and Facilitators for Autistic Individuals, Persons with Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Their Caregivers to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Pilot Study
Journal of autism and developmental disorders
16 Aug 2024
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals.Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals.
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Details
- Title
- Reported Barriers and Facilitators for Autistic Individuals, Persons with Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Their Caregivers to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Pilot Study
- Creators
- Annie W Resnikoff (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)Valerie ColantuonoAndrea Trubanova Wieckowski - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteEsther Chernak - Drexel University, Environmental and Occupational HealthJennifer Plumb - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteMaurice Baynard - Drexel UniversityElisabeth Sheridan - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteDiana L Robins - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Publication Details
- Journal of autism and developmental disorders
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 13
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum; A.J. Drexel Autism Institute; Environmental and Occupational Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001291934600001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85201395210
- Other Identifier
- 991021897113104721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Psychology, Developmental