Optimizing Care for Autistic Patients in Health Care Settings: A Scoping Review and Call to Action.

Objective: We conducted a scoping review of interventions designed to improve the health care experiences of autistic individuals and assessed the methodology and outcomes used to evaluate them.

Methods: Literature from January 2005 to October 2020 was searched using PubMed, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO as well as hand searching. Studies included described an intervention for autistic individuals in inpatient or outpatient settings and evaluated the intervention using standardized methodology.

Elucidating the Perspectives of Autistic Youth About Their Health Care Experiences: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: Autistic individuals have higher rates of co-occurring medical conditions and service use. However, autistic individuals and their families also reported lower satisfaction with health care service delivery. Previous studies described health care experiences of autistic adults, but less is known about those of autistic adolescents and young adults.

Identifying Components of Autism Friendly Health Care: An Exploratory Study Using a Modified Delphi Method.

Objectives: Autistic individuals report lower health care satisfaction. However, there is currently no set of "best practice" standards about caring for autistic individuals. In this exploratory study, we aim to identify features of Autism Friendly practice according to a sample consisting of mainly professionals whose interests include autism using a modified 3-round Delphi-a method that identifies a consensus view across subject participants.

Reasons for alcohol use and non-use by underage U.S. autistic youth: A qualitative study.

Hazardous alcohol use is when a person's drinking puts them at increased risk for negative events (e.g. health problems or car crashes).

Youth and Caregivers' Perspective on Teens Engaged as Mentors (TEAM): An Inclusive Peer Mentoring Program for Autistic Adolescents.

Past studies indicate that many autistic youth benefit from support with developing social relationships, exploring leadership opportunities, and engaging in post-secondary education. Teens Engaged as Mentors (TEAM) is an innovative mentoring program that provides socialization and community engagement opportunities in a safe environment for youth with and without autism. This qualitative study explored how participants and their caregivers perceived participation in TEAM.