Many healthcare services are traditionally designed with neurotypical patients in mind, creating barriers for individuals with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. This often makes it harder for people with autism to access essential services like primary and dental care. To address this, a growing number of providers are adopting the Autism Integrated Care Model, which combines medical and behavioral healthcare under one roof to better meet the needs of neurodiverse individuals.
The rise of the Autism Integrated Care Model offers a potential solution to this issue, creating a “one-stop shop” for autism treatment. This model integrates medical services for co-occurring conditions, such as epilepsy and gastrointestinal disorders, alongside behavioral therapies. By centralizing care, patients can benefit from a smoother, more coordinated healthcare experience, and clinicians can better address the full range of needs of individuals with autism. While some specialties may always require external referrals, the Autism Integrated Care has the potential to transform how autism care is delivered.
One example of an organization successfully implementing an Autism Integrated Care Model is Cortica, a San Diego-based provider. Cortica takes a “whole-child” approach to pediatric autism care, offering both behavioral services and medical treatment for co-occurring conditions. The Autism Integrated Care Model utilized by Cortica is already operational at 23 centers nationwide, showcasing the benefits of combining multiple types of care for better outcomes.
The Importance of Dental Care in Autism Treatment
Oral health is a key component of overall health, but it is often overlooked in the autism community. Research shows that individuals with autism are more likely to experience dental issues, including cavities and periodontal disease. Furthermore, oral hygiene can be particularly challenging for people on the autism spectrum, as they may struggle with manual dexterity or experience sensory sensitivities around the mouth. Medications commonly prescribed to individuals with autism can also cause side effects like dry mouth, further complicating dental care.
To address these challenges, some autism providers are integrating dental care into their Autism Integrated Care Model. For example, I am Boundless, a nonprofit that provides autism services in Ohio, combines dental care with primary healthcare, behavioral therapy, and job training. By offering more services in-house, providers can help ensure that individuals with autism receive the comprehensive care they need.
Ashiyan Rahman, the dental director at Boundless, explains that a unified care model makes it easier for dental professionals to offer the tailored services individuals with autism require. The Autism Integrated Care Model allows for a more personalized approach to dental care, where staff can make the necessary adjustments and spend additional time with each patient to ensure they feel comfortable and supported. This type of comprehensive care can help improve outcomes for individuals who otherwise might face significant challenges accessing dental services.
Medical Care in Autism: The Need for Integrated Approaches
People with autism often experience medical co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues, and even genetic disorders like Down syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. These conditions are sometimes subtle and may go unnoticed unless comprehensive healthcare providers are involved. The Autism Integrated Care Model plays a critical role in addressing these needs, ensuring that both behavioral and medical conditions are treated holistically.
Suzanne Goh, co-founder and chief medical officer of Cortica, emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between a child’s overall health and their behavior. “Everything is connected,” Goh states, underscoring that a child’s learning and developmental progress is influenced by their physical health. By integrating medical and behavioral health services, the Autism Integrated Care Model ensures that all aspects of a child’s wellbeing are considered, from epilepsy management to gastrointestinal care, ultimately supporting more effective behavioral therapies.
Despite the clear benefits, the Autism Integrated Care Model is still rare in many parts of the country. While some academic centers offer integrated care, they often operate with limited resources and long waitlists. However, providers like Cortica are proving that combining medical and behavioral services under one roof is both feasible and highly beneficial for individuals with autism. As more providers adopt this approach, the hope is that it will become the standard of care.
The Role of Sleep in Autism Care
Around 80% of individuals with autism experience sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. This lack of sleep can severely impact memory, attention, emotional regulation, and overall mood. Moreover, the lack of adequate sleep can exacerbate other physical and behavioral health issues, further complicating treatment plans. The Autism Integrated Care Model acknowledges the critical role of sleep in managing autism, ensuring that sleep disorders are addressed as part of a comprehensive care approach.
Carolyn Ievers-Landis, a licensed clinical psychologist and sleep expert, suggests that autism providers should be ready to refer patients to specialized sleep experts when necessary. She notes that while autism providers can handle basic sleep hygiene issues, more severe sleep disorders require specialized intervention. However, the Autism Integrated Care Model can help providers identify when these issues need external expertise, making referrals more seamless and ensuring that patients receive the most effective care.
Moving Forward: The Future of the Autism Integrated Care Model
The Autism Integrated Care Model holds the promise of providing individuals with autism a more streamlined and effective path to care. By integrating medical, behavioral, and therapeutic services, providers can offer a holistic approach to treating autism and its co-occurring conditions. However, the challenge remains to ensure that such models are widely adopted across the country.
Katie Babcock from Boundless believes that more centers should build integrated health centers to meet the needs of individuals with autism. She acknowledges that the expertise required to implement such models is still limited, but with continued efforts and innovation, the Autism Integrated Care Model could become the future of autism treatment. As more organizations like Cortica and Boundless lead the way, the hope is that autism care will evolve into a more accessible, comprehensive, and integrated system.
In conclusion, integrating medical services into autism treatment offers significant benefits for individuals with autism, their families, and healthcare providers. The Autism Integrated Care Model is a step toward ensuring that people with autism receive the comprehensive care they deserve, addressing both their medical and behavioral health needs in one place. As this model grows and evolves, it has the potential to revolutionize how autism care is delivered, improving outcomes for countless individuals across the country.
