Care of children with autism spectrum disorder

Kathryn Ellerbeck; Catherine Smith; Andrea Courtemanche

doi:10.1016/j.pop.2014.09.004

Care of children with autism spectrum disorder

Prim Care. 2015 Mar;42(1):85-98. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.09.004. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Authors

Kathryn Ellerbeck¹, Catherine Smith², Andrea Courtemanche²

Affiliations

¹ Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4003, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4003, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.

PMID: 25634707
DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.09.004

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is both common and complicated. Many children with ASD are not identified until school age. The primary care physician (PCP) plays a vital role in recognizing the symptoms of ASD and in making referrals for definitive diagnosis. Most children with ASD also have co-occurring learning, medical, and/or mental health problems that require collaboration across the educational, medical, and mental health systems. This article reviews the symptoms of ASD, screening tools for school-aged children suspected of having ASD, and the PCP's role in identifying ASD and managing co-occurring conditions in the primary care medical home.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Co-occurring conditions; Medical home; Physician’s role.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis*
Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
Child
Child, Preschool
Comorbidity
Female
Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
Humans
Male
Mass Screening / methods
Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration*
Physician's Role*
Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
Referral and Consultation