Physical health needs and self-reported health status among adults with autism

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132097109
Author(s):  
Paul Turcotte ◽  
Lindsay Shea
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Self Reported Health Status

Self-reported health status is an integral method to understand how adults on the autism spectrum perceive their healthcare and service needs. The objective of the study is to examine how self-reported health changes with use and need of physical health services. The Pennsylvania autism needs assessment included a survey of adults on the autism spectrum responding for themselves. Self-reported health status change over the previous year was reported as improved, decreased, or stable. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to identify characteristics of individuals who experienced decreased or improved health. A total of 1197 adults responded, with most respondents’ health remaining stable (68%). Respondents who had a decreased health status reported needing more physical health services (1.64 services) compared to respondents with stable health (1.07 services) and improved health (1.18 services). Respondents with a decreased health status had 1.23 higher odds (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.40) of having an increase in one physical health service need as compared to those whose health remained stable. Increased physical health service needs were associated with a decreased health status. Adults on the autism spectrum can present with a complex array of needs and determining the role physical health services play in improving and maintaining health remains critical. Lay abstract Self-reported health can be a powerful measure of how adults with autism spectrum disorder view their overall health. The goal of this study was to determine how health statuses of adults with autism spectrum disorder change, when they are currently receiving or need more physical health services. The Pennsylvania autism needs assessment included a survey of individuals with autism aged 18 years or older responding for themselves. They indicated whether their health status changed over the previous year as improved, decreased, or remained stable. We found that most adults with autism spectrum disorder had their health remain the same (68%). We also found that adults who said their health got worse needed more physical health services, compared to those whose health remained stable, or got better. Supporting the health of adults with autism can be complex and finding out more about how physical health services play a role in that care is important.

scholarly journals Assessing the convergence of self-report and informant measures for adults with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2256-2268
Author(s):  
Rachel K Sandercock ◽  
Elena M Lamarche ◽  
Mark R Klinger ◽  
Laura G Klinger
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Daily Living Skills ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Living Skills

Self-report measures are widely used for research and clinical assessment of adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, there has been little research examining the convergence of self- and informant-report in this population. This study examined agreement between 40 pairs of adults with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers on measures of symptom severity, daily living skills, quality of life, and unmet service needs. In addition, this study examined the predictive value of each reporter for objective independent living and employment outcomes. Caregiver and self-report scores were significantly positively correlated on all measures (all r’s >0.50). Results indicated that there were significant differences between reporter ratings of daily living skills, quality of life, and unmet service needs, but no significant differences between ratings of symptom severity. Combining caregiver-report and self-report measures provided significantly higher predictive value of objective outcomes than measures from a single reporter. These findings indicate that both informants provide valuable information and adults with autism spectrum disorder should be included in reporting on their own symptoms and experiences. Given that two reporters together were more predictive of objective outcomes; however, a multi-informant assessment may be the most comprehensive approach for evaluating current functioning and identifying service needs in this population. Lay Abstract Self-report measures are frequently used for research and clinical assessments of adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, there has been little research examining agreement between self-report and informant-report in this population. Valid self-report measures are essential for conducting research with and providing high quality clinical services for adults with autism spectrum disorder. This study collected measures from 40 pairs of adults with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers on measures of symptom severity, daily living skills, quality of life, and unmet service needs. Caregiver and self-report responses were highly associated with one another on all measures, though there were significant gaps between scores on the measures of daily living skills and quality of life. It is also important to understand how each informant’s responses relate to outcomes in the areas of employment and independent living. Using self-report and caregiver-report together better predicted outcomes for the adult with autism spectrum disorder than scores from either individual reporter alone. These findings show that there is unique and valuable information provided by both adults with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers; a multi-informant approach is important for obtaining the most comprehensive picture of current functioning, identifying unmet service needs, and creating treatment plans. This research also highlights the importance of including and prioritizing self-report perspectives in shaping service planning.

A scoping review of what is known of the physical health of adults with autism spectrum disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Cashin ◽  
Thomas Buckley ◽  
Julian N Trollor ◽  
Nicholas Lennox
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Increased Risk

Little research has been carried out on the physical health of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). From the studies conducted with both children and adults, few studies have moved beyond retrospective record analysis and survey and conducted health assessment. The majority of the studies are from the United States of America with a small number conducted in Europe. A scoping review was conducted to determine what is known of the physical health of adults with ASD and to identify research gaps. In addition to studies of adults, this review includes studies of children to determine possible health trajectories. From the findings, it can be stated with confidence that people with ASD have a high rate of comorbidity and increased risk for chronic disease.

scholarly journals Comparisons Between Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Individuals With Down Syndrome in Adulthood

2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna J. Esbensen ◽  
Somer Bishop ◽  
Marsha Mailick Seltzer ◽  
Jan S. Greenberg ◽  
Julie Lounds Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Abstract Differences between 70 adults with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability and 70 age-matched adults with Down syndrome were examined on variables indicative of independence in adult life. Adults with autism spectrum disorder had less residential independence and social contact with friends, had more limited functional abilities and literacy, exhibited more behavior problems, had more unmet service needs, and received fewer services as compared to adults with Down syndrome. Reflecting these differences, adults with autism spectrum disorder were less likely to be classified as having high or moderate levels of independence in adult life as compared to adults with Down syndrome. Predictors of independence in adult life differed for adults with autism spectrum disorder as compared with adults who have Down syndrome. Implications for service delivery are discussed.

scholarly journals Health Status of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Forde ◽  
Paola Molina Bonilla ◽  
Arlene Mannion ◽  
Rory Coyne ◽  
Ross Haverty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Physical Problems ◽  
Adults With Asd

AbstractIndividuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher probability of developing co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. However, little is known about how these health conditions develop and impact the lives of the adult ASD population. This paper reviewed existing studies concerning factors affecting the health status of adults with ASD and described their outcomes and prevalence. A systematic search of electronic databases yielded 21 studies eligible to be included. The most common physical problems affecting health were epilepsy and immune, gastrointestinal, and sleep disorders. Mental health disorders, most prominently mood and anxiety disorders and OCD, were also strong factors for determining health in adults. Future research should focus on measuring the overall health status of the adult ASD population.

scholarly journals Mental Health Services for Individuals with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna K. Lake ◽  
Andrea Perry ◽  
Yona Lunsky
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

Adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who do not have an intellectual impairment or disability (ID), described here as individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD), represent a complex and underserved psychiatric population. While there is an emerging literature on the mental health needs of children with ASD with normal intelligence, we know less about these issues in adults. Of the few studies of adolescents and adults with HFASD completed to date, findings suggest that they face a multitude of cooccurring psychiatric (e.g., anxiety, depression), psychosocial, and functional issues, all of which occur in addition to their ASD symptomatology. Despite this, traditional mental health services and supports are falling short of meeting the needs of these adults. This review highlights the service needs and the corresponding gaps in care for this population. It also provides an overview of the literature on psychiatric risk factors, identifies areas requiring further study, and makes recommendations for how existing mental health services could include adults with HFASD.

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