Date of Award

8-12-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Vanessa Bester

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive behaviors or interests that can affect daily functioning. ASD individuals are also more likely to experience poor physical and mental health along with reduced life expectancy compared to non-autistic people. Thus, it is crucial that those with ASD are able to obtain adequate healthcare. However, there is limited research on the barriers to medical care access faced by those with ASD and their families.

Purpose: Due to the lack of autism awareness in the general population and medical community along with limited research on ASD healthcare access barriers, the aim of this study was to examine healthcare access challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families. The goal of this research is to contribute to the limited research on this topic in order to educate current and future healthcare providers so that they can better serve their ASD patients.

Methods: The literature review portion of this study was performed using Augsburg University’s Lindell Library EBSCO Host search engine, Google Scholar and PubMed to find articles on barriers to healthcare access faced by those with ASD and their families. The interview portion of the research was performed using purposeful sampling with three parents of children with ASD. Interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom through 30-minute interviews with each parent. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and an informed consent process was used by pre-administration of signed consent forms prior to the interviews. This class-based project was designated IRB-Exempt from Augsburg University IRB, #2023-06-04.

Conclusions: Results of the literature review revealed that barriers faced by ASD patients include feelings of judgment/dismissal from providers, anxiety around appointments, and communication problems. The literature review and interviews both showed that challenges faced by caregivers involve healthcare system navigation, insurance coverage and provider competence. Both studies highlight existing gaps at the medical provider level and at the healthcare system level.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2024.Lu.J

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