Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

12-11-2024 | Brief Report

Characterization and Outcomes of Profoundly and Non-profoundly Autistic Individuals Admitted to a Specialized Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Auteurs: Patrick W. Romani, Mathew C. Luehring, Angelique M. Koerner, Shanna M. Baikie

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Abstract

Purpose

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently estimated to be 1 in 36 children. While much is known about the impact of ASD on family and community functioning as well as treatment outcomes, less is known about a relatively new categorization of ASD, called “profound autism.”

Methods

The current study evaluated 14 consecutively admitted patients meeting criteria for profound autism to a specialized psychiatric inpatient and partial hospitalization program. We then selected 15 non-profoundly autistic youth admitted immediately before or after each profoundly autistic youth to serve as a comparison. Patient caregivers completed measures about parental stress and the severity and frequency of patient problem behavior, and patients participated in functional analyses of problem behavior and function-based treatment programs during their admission.

Results

Results showed profoundly autistic youth spent an average of 14 more days admitted to the psychiatric unit, and they engaged in higher parent-reported severity and frequency of self-injurious and stereotypic behavior. Functional analysis results for profoundly autistic youth showed a higher occurrence of automatically reinforced problem behavior but otherwise similar results. As well, profoundly autistic youth showed a lower percentage reduction in problem behavior at the end of the psychiatric hospitalization than their non-profoundly autistic peers.

Conclusion

Profoundly autistic youth seem to require a high level of behavioral support, even after psychiatric hospitalization. Insurance companies and therapists need to recognize these challenges and invest sufficient resources to meet their treatment needs.

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Titel: Characterization and Outcomes of Profoundly and Non-profoundly Autistic Individuals Admitted to a Specialized Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Auteurs: Patrick W. Romani
Mathew C. Luehring
Angelique M. Koerner
Shanna M. Baikie
Publicatiedatum: 12-11-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06640-8

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Characterization and Outcomes of Profoundly and Non-profoundly Autistic Individuals Admitted to a Specialized Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Abstract

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Conclusion

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