Autism in the emergency department

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Healthcare Access

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition.
• Patients with ASD frequently interact with healthcare systems, including emergency departments (EDs).
• Understanding ED utilization patterns for autistic patients is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic characteristics and reasons for emergency department visits among autistic patients.
• To identify patterns of ED utilization, including repeat visits and hospital admissions.
• To inform strategies for better serving autistic patients and their families in the ED setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of autistic patients presenting to a tertiary care pediatric ED.
• Data collected for visits occurring during the calendar year 2011.
• Analysis of patient demographics, visit acuity, chief complaints, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 160 ED visits by 130 autistic patients were analyzed.
• 25% of visits were repeat visits, and 20% resulted in hospital admission.
• Common reasons for visits included neurological concerns, behavioral issues, and gastrointestinal infections; 79% had comorbid conditions.

Conclusions:

• Autistic individuals are significant users of emergency department services.
• Demographic and clinical findings underscore the need for tailored ED interventions and support.
• Further research can guide improvements in healthcare delivery for this population.