Brief Report: Emergency Department Utilization by Individuals with Autism.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25261249
Abstract
To identify medical problems most commonly presenting to emergency departments among individuals with autism as compared to non-autistic persons across age groups.
Data was obtained from the 2010 National Emergency Department database and was analyzed by age categories: 3-5, 6-11, 12-15, 16-18 and 19 years and older.
Epilepsy emerged as the leading presenting diagnosis among those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 16-19 years and 19 over. Psychiatric conditions were primary among ASD individuals aged 12-15 years, accounting for more than 11 % of all visits.
In this sample, age-related differences were noted in medical diagnoses among autistic individuals as compared to non-autistic persons.