title: Characteristics of children with autistic spectrum disorders served in comprehensive community-based mental health settings.
abstract: This study describes the characteristics of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) receiving treatment in community mental health settings. Data from a national community mental health initiative was used to identify children who had received a primary diagnosis of ASD. These children were compared with children with other diagnoses on socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics, presenting problems and service histories. Regardless of diagnosis, children were most often referred to service because of disruptive behaviors. Children with ASD were less likely to be referred for drug use, truancy or running away, but were more likely to be referred for social interaction difficulties and strange behavior. Many children had family histories of mental illness, substance abuse and domestic violence. Implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA. mandelld@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mandell
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Walrath
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Manteuffel
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sgro
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pinto-Martin
mesh_terms: D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data