Challenges in the Medical Care of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one in 40 children. Individuals with ASD have high rates of medical comorbidity, excess mortality, high health care expenditures, and difficulty accessing coordinated medical care. As the prevalence of ASD rises, consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatrists will be increasingly called upon to assist patients with ASD both in inpatient and outpatient medical settings.

Methods: In this article, we review the patient, provider, and systems factors that converge to create challenges for delivering high-quality, patient-centered medical care for patients with ASD.

Conclusion: Strategies to optimize the care of patients with ASD in medical settings include previsit planning, anticipating and reducing sources of distress, facilitating a patient- and family-centered multidisciplinary approach, employing environmental interventions, and using psychopharmacologic treatments.

Keywords: autism; autistic spectrum disorders; behavioral medicine; child & adolescent psychiatry; consultation liaison psychiatry; developmental disorder.