Association for Behavior Analysis International

Hospital visits can be challenging for some autistic patients due to unmet communication, sensory, and behavioral needs. We launched three studies to analyze the healthcare experiences of autistic individuals and to the efficacy of a new hospital-wide intervention for autistic patients. First, a Delphi study involving three rounds of survey was conducted to identify components of an Autism Friendly healthcare practice according to autistic individuals, family members, and professionals in the field. Themes that emerged from highly ranked survey items include environmental/operational modifications and autism-focused staff training. Following the Delphi study, we conducted focus groups with seven autistic youth to gather in-depth qualitative details of their healthcare experiences. Findings aligned with the initial Delphi study, whereby the type and level of specific support that autistic patients need vary across individuals. To provide individualized support, our program launched a behavioral support service for autistic patients during medical encounters. We are in the process of conducting single subject research across participants using a multiple baseline design to evaluate the efficacy of evidence-based behavioral interventions to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance during medical appointments. Findings will inform the barriers and facilitators to implementation of behavior analytic interventions in an applied medical setting.

Behavior analysts, medical providers/medical staff, practitioners