Grant: Operating Grant

One in 150 individuals in Canada has an autism spectrum disorder. These individuals often have limited access to appropriate healthcare because of their disability combined with the limited skills of health care providers or capacity in the healthcare system. Another challenge faced by these individuals is that appropriate services are split between two sectors (health and social services) that function very differently, which can be confusing and stressful for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their family caregivers. As a result, the emergency room can be the only place some individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families go when they need health services, which can be ineffective and traumatic. As well, there is an often neglected minority of adults with ASD who live independently, and do not have family caregivers to help them access services. The purpose of this project is to learn why adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders use emergency healthcare services. We will examine many factors that can contribute to the types of healthcare they use, including a person's needs in the moment, their background, their support system, and their family caregiver's situation (when they have family caregivers). This project should help us to equip people with autism spectrum disorders and their families about how to use emergency services and planned services in the best way possible. Findings from the project should also inform policy on how we treat this most vulnerable population so that their health needs can be better met in the future.