Emergency service experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tint, Ami; Palucka, Anna M; Bradley, Elspeth; Weiss, Jonathan A; Lunsky, Yona
• Is Part Of: Autism. Volume 23:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 792
• Page End: 795
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: adults -- autism spectrum disorder -- emergency department -- police -- service use; Autism -- Periodicals; Autism in children -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1177/1362361318760294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-3613

Abstract

This study aimed to describe patterns of emergency department use and police interactions, as well as satisfaction with emergency services of 40 adults with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability over 12–18 months. Approximately 42.5% of the sample reported visiting the emergency department and 32.5% reported interactions with police during the study period. Presenting concerns for emergency department use and police interactions varied widely, highlighting the heterogeneous needs of this population. On average, participants reported being dissatisfied with care received in the emergency department while police interactions were rated relatively more favourably.