title: Brief report: the medical care of adults with autism spectrum disorders: identifying the needs.
abstract: There is a lack of information concerning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially with regards to their access to health care. A paper and electronic survey was sent to 1,580 primary care physicians in Connecticut. 346 respondents returned a survey and provided care to adults with an ASD. This physician survey provides data on adults with ASD such as: reasons for physician visits, living arrangements, employment status, and any services they are receiving. Responses revealed inadequate training in the care of adults with an ASD and physicians interest in obtaining additional training. The ability to provide a medical home for adults with autism will need to address effective strategies to train current and future physicians.
authors.affiliation: A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, University of Connecticut, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6222, USA. bruder@nso1.uchc.edu
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bruder
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kerins
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mazzarella
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sims
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities