Inpatient Hospitalization of Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Ethical Analysis

Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are admitted to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (IPH) at an alarmingly high rate. IPH is often intended for the immediate benefit and betterment of the individual, however, the result often incurs a degree of harm on the adolescent. With the rising prevalence of ASD and lack of physicians with ASD care experience, the adolescent is left with inadequate treatment, causing heightened anxiety and behavioral regression. While IPH may offer temporary relief and behavior management, it lacks sustainable long-term benefits while conflicting with the bioethical principle of beneficence. Here, we argue for a paradigm shift toward outpatient preventative resources (OPR), providing individualized, community-based care aimed at preventing the need of IPH, using it as mainly a last resort. By reallocating funding from IPH to OPR, the overall patient outcomes and support for caregivers will improve and effectively will reduce the harm on the ASD adolescent.