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Published on: October 3, 2018
Parallel paths: A narrative review exploring autism and its co-occurring conditions
Hasan Hasan1,2, Randi Hagerman3, Daphne S Say4,5
1Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States.
Insights
Autistic children frequently have co-occurring conditions (CCs) impacting health and behavior. Early identification and management by primary care providers (PCPs) are crucial for improving outcomes and addressing unmet needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with increasing prevalence.
- Autistic children experience higher rates of co-occurring conditions (CCs) compared to neurotypical peers.
- These CCs encompass medical, psychiatric, and behavioral issues, necessitating specialized care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide primary care providers (PCPs) with a concise overview of common CCs in autistic children.
- To outline effective strategies for the early identification of these CCs.
- To support PCPs in delivering comprehensive and responsive care to autistic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Expert panel review of key literature and research evidence.
- Synthesis of existing clinical trial outcomes.
- Integration of clinical expertise from specialists in autistic children's care.
Main Results:
- Autistic children exhibit significantly higher rates of both medical and mental health conditions.
- Despite increased healthcare use, many autistic individuals report unmet healthcare needs.
- Co-occurring conditions can negatively affect behavior, functioning, and well-being but are often treatable when identified early.
Conclusions:
- Timely recognition and management of CCs are essential for improving the health and well-being of autistic children.
- Enhanced knowledge and early identification strategies empower PCPs to provide better care.
- Addressing CCs is critical for improving overall outcomes for autistic children and their families.
Abstract:
Autism is a heterogeneous condition with a rising prevalence and demand for specialized care. Autistic children are more likely than neurotypical peers to experience co-occurring conditions (CCs), including medical, psychiatric, and behavioral issues, highlighting the urgent need for autism-competent healthcare providers in general healthcare. This review aims to equip primary care providers (PCPs) with a concise summary of common CCs and strategies for effective identification. A panel of experts with extensive experience in caring for autistic children collaboratively summarized key literature, research evidence, and existing clinical trial outcomes, supplementing their clinical expertise. Autistic children consistently show higher rates of both medical and mental health issues. Despite greater healthcare utilization, many autistic individuals report unmet needs. CCs can impair behavior, functioning, and well-being, but are often treatable when recognized early. Timely identification and management of medical and psychiatric CCs are critical for improving outcomes for autistic children and their families. This evidence-based review supports PCPs in enhancing their knowledge, fostering early recognition, and delivering comprehensive, responsive care.
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