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| Understanding and Improving the Medical Experiences of Autistic Individuals Through a Behavior Analytic Lens |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M4 Level, Liberty I-K |
| Area: AUT/CBM; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Ashley Dubin (AJ Drexel Autism Institute; Drexel University) |
| Discussant: Andrea Marie Zawoyski (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) |
| CE Instructor: Christina Simmons, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: In addition to unique areas of strength, autistic individuals experience different needs than their neurotypical counterparts across the lifespan. Higher rates of medical and psychiatric concerns have been reported in the autistic population, leading to higher rates of healthcare access than non-autistic individuals. Autistic patients and caregivers largely report negative experiences and identify extensive barriers to high-quality medical care. Negative healthcare experiences may have negative effects on patient's long-term healthcare access, and consequently, their health. Throughout this symposium, presenters will focus on experiences and needs of care providers and solution-focused behavioral strategies to better support this patient population. Reidinger and colleagues will share perspectives from registered nurses on their knowledge of autism and behavioral function and preparedness to care for autistic patients. Shanker and colleagues will present their findings from the development and pilot test of a digital application to support autistic individuals transitioning to adult medical care. Results from these studies indicate barriers to quality, compassionate medical care for autistic individuals, contributing to healthcare disparities, especially as autistic individuals transition to adulthood. Presenters describe behavioral supports, provider trainings, and interventions that may contribute to improvements in healthcare. |
| Instruction Level: Basic |
| Keyword(s): Barriers, Behavioral knowledge, Healthcare, Support strategies |
| Target Audience: Practitioners working within healthcare settings or supporting autistic individuals in accessing healthcare |
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify three variables that impacted nurses’ knowledge of behavioral function.
2. Identify the three most commonly tracked symptoms by autistic young adults using a digital application.
3. List at least three recommendations of autistic young adults to improve their tracking of medical symptoms and preparation for healthcare appointments. |
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| Registered Nurses' Knowledge of Autism and Behavioral Function and Preparedness to Care for Autistic Patients |
| BRONTE REIDINGER (Rowan University), Christina Simmons (Rowan University) |
| Abstract: Autistic individuals frequently report negative experiences during healthcare interactions and barriers to accessing quality, compassionate care. At the provider level, autistic individuals report barriers such as stereotyping, perceived lack of autism knowledge, challenges with communication, and insufficient accommodations. Reports of healthcare providers’ experiences caring for autistic patients in the U.S. have largely come from physicians, who endorse inadequate training, resources, and practical guidelines. Although patients spend far more time with nurses than other healthcare providers, registered nurses (RN)’ perspectives on caring for autistic patients in the U.S. are largely unknown. In this study, we first conducted three focus groups with 11 RNs to identify experiences caring for autistic patients and needs. We then conducted a nationally representative survey of 150 RNs on their autism knowledge, knowledge of behavioral function, and experiences caring for autistic patients. Preliminary results identified a lack of knowledge of behavioral function, lack of resources and training in behavioral strategies for supporting autistic patients, and system-level barriers to quality care. Results will inform practical behavioral recommendations for nurses and identify future intervention targets. |
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| Development and Pilot of a Digital Application for Autistic Individuals Transitioning to Adult Medical Care |
| Maya Shanker (Rowan University), JULIA SULLIVAN (Columbia University), Christina Simmons (Rowan University), Patrice Tremoulet (ECRI Institute) |
| Abstract: Autistic individuals have higher unmet healthcare needs than neurotypical peers. Medical providers and medical facilities are largely unprepared and unequipped for meeting the unique needs of autistic patients. Youth with autism report experiencing confusion surrounding the role that their medical providers play in transitioning to adult care and anxiety about independently managing their medical care, contributing to them not receiving appropriate medical care in adulthood. The current project examined the acceptability, usability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an app that was developed to meet the support needs of autistic patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care. The app allows users to (a) collect data on their medical symptoms in real time, (b) organize these symptoms using visual data displays, and (c) prepare for expectations of different medical appointments. We used a user-centered development process to involve stakeholders in development and conducted alpha (N = 12) and beta testing of the prototype (N = 5) with autistic young adults. We analyzed data from survey measures completed, semi-structured interviews, and data entered by participants using the app. Results indicate that participants found the app to be usable and acceptable, feasible for independent use, and minimally supportive of health confidence. |
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