A cross-sectional examination of service complexity in youths with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric or medical diagnoses across service sectors

TitleA cross-sectional examination of service complexity in youths with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric or medical diagnoses across service sectors
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsSemovski V, King C, Lapshina N, Stewart SL
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume13
Pagination1027373
Date Published2023-February-01
Type of ArticleOriginal Research
ISBN Number1664-1078
Accession NumberPMCID:PMC9930473
KeywordsAutism (ASD),Service complexity,interRAI,Youth,Co-occurring conditions,medical diagnosis,Psychiatric Diagnosis
Abstract

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, life-long, and complex condition. Youth diagnosed with ASD require several supports addressing core symptoms associated with the disorder, but also those resulting from co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. As a result, their care is overseen by numerous professionals spanning various service sectors, but communication between sectors is hindered due to the absence of a standardized assessment system to identify and triage youth to services. A paucity of information surrounding this population’s service use lingers and a siloed delivery system persists. MethodsUsing archival data collected from 1,020 youth between 12 and 18 years of age, this study explored service complexity among autistic youth with and without psychiatric and medical co-occurring conditions in Ontario, Canada. In doing so, a negative binomial regression was utilized to investigate which predisposing, enabling, and need variables were associated with service complexity. ResultsResults revealed that experiencing financial difficulties was not associated with service complexity. However, age, sex, caregiver distress, comorbidity, intellectual disability, and evaluated health status were significant predictors. More specifically, female youth and youth with distressed caregivers had greater mental health service complexity scores. Additionally, youth diagnosed with two or more conditions in addition to ASD who required longer durations of programming, controlling for other predictors, had greater mental health service complexity scores. Yet, youth with an intellectual disability had lower service complexity scores. DiscussionClinical implications of this study are discussed to inform future investments into mental health efforts for autistic youth.

DOI10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027373
Link

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027373/full

Short TitleAutism Co-Occurrences and Service Complexity