Providers’ Views on Transition of Healthcare for Youth with Developmental Disabilities

Ross, Cordelia Y.

Item

Providers’ Views on Transition of Healthcare for Youth with Developmental Disabilities

Ross, Cordelia Y.

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Problem: Youth with DD have conditions that may limit their ability to function, with resulting social, emotional, or behavioral sequelae, and experience difficulty transitioning from child to adult health care. Also, adult providers may lack training and comfort level in working with patients with DD. For example, youth with ASD need an adult provider who understands autism but doesn’t see every health or behavior problem as a result of autism. National Need: 1 in 6 children in the U.S. has a DD. Each year, almost half a million of these children transition into adulthood. As for ASD, 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys) meets ASD diagnostic criteria. State Need: In Vermont in 2006, 540 children and adults with ASD (with 126 in Chittenden County alone) were being served by the Vermont Community Mental Health and Developmental Services programs. Since then, the number of children with ASD has grown approx. 20% per year. Community Need: Hinesburg Family Practice currently sees 11 patients with a Code 299 diagnosis (pervasive developmental disorders) per year. These patients accounted for 25 visits during FY 2014. The patients range in age from 5 to 53 years (median age: 17 years).