Presenting Author: Lindsay Shea, DrPH, MS, Drexel University/A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

ABSTRACT

Background: The challenges posed by autism are a public health priority as the prevalence of autism has increased. Autism impacts individuals of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and the diversity of the population in Philadelphia warrants the identification and creation of the services and programming to support all individuals.

Objectives: The objectives of this project are to: 1) understand the service needs and experiences of individuals with autism living in Philadelphia; 2) document changes in service needs and experiences of this group over time.

Methods: Data from two iterations of the Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment will be used. The first Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment surveyed over 3,000 individuals with autism and their families. An update to the Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment is underway and data collection will be complete in summer 2017. Basic frequencies and proportions will be generated and compared to examine a change in need over time.

Results: The 2011 PA Autism Needs Assessment found that over half of respondents living in Philadelphia had household incomes less than $40k a year. After receiving a diagnosis, 60.7% of respondents in Philadelphia were referred to Early Intervention, 48.7% were referred to a follow up appointment, and 27.2% were referred to a support group.

Implications: Identifying the experiences of individuals with autism, including referrals to services for children and resources for adults, is of critical importance. Results from the Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment provide important and otherwise unavailable data to inform policy and program planning for Philadelphia.

Authors: Lindsay Shea, DrPH, MS; Paul Turcotte, MPH; and Pamela Piscitelli, MsEd.