Healthcare access and services use among US children with autism spectrum disorder

Olivia J. Lindly, Katharine E. Zuckerman, Karen A. Kuhlthau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study aimed to determine associations of healthcare access problems with services use among US children with autism spectrum disorder. We analyzed 2011–2014 National Health Interview Survey data on 651 children with autism spectrum disorder aged 2–17 years. There were three measures of healthcare access problems: (1) delays accessing healthcare, (2) difficulty affording healthcare, and (3) trouble finding a primary care provider. There were five service use measures: (1) ⩾4 office visits, (2) ⩾1 well-child visit, (3) flu vaccine, (4) prescription medication, and (5) ⩾1 emergency department visit. Multivariable regression models estimated associations of ⩾1 healthcare access problem with each service use variable and effect modification by socioeconomic status and race and ethnicity. Twenty-nine percent of children with autism spectrum disorder had ⩾1 healthcare access problem. Having ⩾1 healthcare access problem was associated with lower adjusted odds of ⩾1 well-child visit or prescription medication use but higher adjusted odds of ⩾4 office visits or ⩾1 emergency department visit. No significant association was found for flu vaccine. Associations of healthcare access problems with emergency department use were most pronounced for higher socioeconomic status and White, non-Hispanic subgroups. Intervention, such as insurance expansion, is needed to improve healthcare access for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1419-1430
Number of pages12
JournalAutism
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • autism spectrum disorder
  • emergency medical services
  • ethnicity
  • health services accessibility
  • healthcare disparities
  • preventive health services
  • race
  • socioeconomic status

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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