Health Literacy: Access, Communication, and Outcomes

1362L - Making Healthcare More Accessible for the Autistic Community

Friday, November 18, 2022

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CT

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (In-Person)

Audience: Students, International Affiliates, Public/Consumers, Researchers, Related Professionals, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: Autism, Healthcare, Access, Community

Presenting Author(s)

Kyle Greene-Pendelton

Consolidated School District of New Britain & Johns Hopkins University
Laura S. DeThorne, PhD CCC-SLP

Full Professor and Department Chair
Western Michigan University
Teresa Girolamo

University of Connecticut
Christina Nicolaidis

Portland State University

This session is developed by, and presenters invited by, Health Literacy: Access, Communication, and Outcomes. Individuals on the autism spectrum are at elevated risk for a variety of adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Research suggests that the many complex features of autism, as well as a variety of common comorbidities (both cognitive and medical), may help us to understand some of these vulnerabilities. However, individuals on the spectrum also face many systemic barriers to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare. This moderated panel will bring together three experts offering a range of perspectives on how to make healthcare more accessible for the autistic community. First-person, parent and family, professional, and community factors will be considered.

Learning Objectives:

Describe ome of the barriers faced by individuals on the autism spectrum in attaining adequate healthcare
Identify priorities and needs of the autistic community with respect to healthcare access.
Explain strategies to increase accessibility in a way that aligns to the priorities of autistic individuals.