Specialty Neurodevelopmental Care for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder - What Works? 

Principal Investigator: Jessi Soloman Sanders, MD, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Denver

COMIRB 21-2849

Increasing numbers of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are becoming adults each year; however, most neurodevelopmental specialists practice in pediatric settings. Adults with ASD often have more negative experiences with, or lack of access to, healthcare. Dr. Sanders recently created a new consultation clinic for adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities (DD) in the University of Colorado Adult Behavioral Neurology Clinic.

Interviews will be conducted with a sample of adults with ASD and their families/caregivers. The study will evaluate priorities, expectations, and needs for adult models of neurodevelopmental specialty care. We will also perform chart review of approximately 60 patients seen in the Adult DD Clinic. 

We expect to better understand the patient-and family-perceived value of this clinic, patient and family priorities, and the barriers they face obtaining high-quality healthcare. Results from this pilot will serve as the basis for larger-scale studies to support building more effective patient-centered programs, investigating health outcomes, and addressing barriers to equitable, accessible healthcare for adults with ASD. 

This project is funded by the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P).