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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Behavioral Outcomes of Specialized Psychiatric Hospitalization in the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC): A Multisite
Kahsi A Pedersen1,2, Susan L Santangelo3,4,5, Robin L Gabriels6
1Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA. kpedersen@mmc.org.
Psychiatric hospitalization significantly reduces serious problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, some behaviors slightly increased post-discharge, with varying results across treatment sites.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Behavioral Health
Background:
- Psychiatric hospitalization for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common.
- Youth with ASD experience higher rates of hospitalization than neurotypical youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare changes in serious problem behaviors during and after hospitalization for youth with ASD.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specialized child psychiatric units in managing challenging behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A study of 350 youth with ASD admitted to six specialized child psychiatry units.
- Assessment of aberrant behaviors using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability subscale from admission to 2-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in serious problem behaviors were observed from admission to discharge and 2-month follow-up.
- A slight increase in tantrum-like behaviors, but not self-injurious behaviors, occurred between discharge and follow-up.
- Improvements in behavior severity varied across different treatment sites.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient treatment effectively reduces serious problem behaviors in children with ASD.
- Ongoing monitoring is crucial as some behaviors may resurface post-discharge.
- Site-specific factors may influence treatment outcomes in specialized psychiatric units.
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