Autism Secondary Data Analysis Program - Research shows that youth with autism and other developmental disabilities experience disparities in access to quality health care services compared to peers and can be at unique risk for engaging in negative health behaviors and experiencing adverse health outcomes through adolescence and into adulthood. These youth are also less likely to receive support and services to transition from pediatric to adult health care and more likely to experience gaps in care, worsening health conditions, and increased hospital visits compared to peers. The transition from pediatric to adult health care, often referred to as Health Care Transition (HCT) is conceptualized of specific elements to support youth to develop the skills to manage their own health care and make decisions about health care services along with members of their health care team. The medical home, an approach to comprehensive primary care that emphasizes equal partnerships between patients and providers, can facilitate quality care and communication, and shared decision-making, which are all part of the HCT process. National benchmarks including Healthy People 2030 and the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s strategic plan objectives both emphasize the role of the medical home for youth as well as the importance of supporting adolescents for their transition to adult health care systems. The purpose of this research project is to conduct secondary analysis research of 2023 National Survey of Children’s Health to contribute to the knowledge base of experiences of youth with autism and other developmental disabilities in health care settings. Aim 1 will examine the relationship between youth with autism, ages 12 to 17, individual, family, social, and system characteristics and factors, and the receipt of HCT services with or without a medical home. Aim 2 will investigate if having autism and/or other developmental disabilities as a youth is a risk factor for engaging in health risk and protective behaviors. Both aims will utilize correlations, logistic regressions, and odds ratios to determine covariates and associations. Findings will be analyzed, interpreted, and disseminated using multiple modalities to communicate results with diverse and varied audiences. The dissemination plan includes peer-reviewed articles and plain language summaries of findings. These results will contribute to the literature on HCT for youth with autism and health risk behaviors for youth with autism to reduce disparate experiences and outcomes and support inclusive, strengths-based processes and practices that foster health and well-being across the life course.
