title: Parent and physician perceptions of medical home care for children with autism spectrum disorders in the state of Kentucky.
abstract: The medical home model of care is widely accepted as the ideal for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) but may be very difficult to implement. In this study, parents of children with autism and pediatricians caring for children with autism in Kentucky were surveyed to determine the current status of primary care services for children with ASDs. Results indicated that the majority of families and physicians were comfortable with the routine health care provided to children with ASDs, but had concerns about physician ability to provide information regarding community resources, address comorbid conditions associated with autism, and discuss treatment options. The need for physician education regarding available national and regional autism resources is clear. Creative strategies involving collaboration across medical, educational, and community systems appear to be essential for establishing effective medical homes for children with ASDs.
authors.affiliation: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. pgwill01@louisville.edu
authors.forename: Patricia Gail
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tomchek
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grau
authors.forename: Myra Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bundy
authors.forename: Deborah Winders
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kleinert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006295:Health Resources / Q000592:standards; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000592:standards; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires