Cervantes PE, Palinkas LA, Conlon GR, Richards-Rachlin S, Sullivan KA, Baroni A, Horwitz SM. Improving Emergency Department Care for Suicidality in Autism: Perspectives from Autistic Youth, Caregivers, and Clinicians.
J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06364-9. [PMID:
38819705 DOI:
10.1007/s10803-024-06364-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Emergency department (ED) visits for suicidal ideation and self-harm are more prevalent in autistic than non-autistic youth. However, providers are typically offered insufficient guidance for addressing suicide risk in autistic youth, likely impacting confidence and care.
METHODS
In this pilot study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 key members of the autism community (i.e., autistic youth with a history of suicidality, caregivers of autistic youth with a history of suicidality, autism specialist clinicians, ED clinicians) to inform the development of recommendations for modifying ED care for autistic patients, with a focus on suicide risk screening and management.
RESULTS
Participants reported on challenges they encountered receiving or providing care and/or recommendations for improving care. Participant perspectives were aligned, and four main categories emerged: accounting for autism features, connection and youth engagement in care, caregiver and family involvement, and service system issues.
CONCLUSION
As research continues in the development of autism-specific suicide risk assessment tools and management strategies, it is essential we better equip providers to address suicide risk in autistic patients, particularly in ED settings.
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