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Service Needs Across the Lifespan for Individuals with Autism

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Abstract

The goal of this research was to examine reported service needs among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) of all ages. Data were generated from a state survey that queried the needs of children, adolescents and adults with ASD. Logistic regression was used to compare service use and need among these age groups. Adults with ASD were less likely to be receiving multiple types of services, and more likely to have a need for services. These findings demonstrate that adults with ASD have more and different needs for services. These results can inform policy and program planning to put in place the services adults with ASD need.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded through the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) Collaboration, under the Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Author contributions

LS and SN designed the research, LS and SN performed the research, EB and PT analyzed the data and LS, PT, and MM wrote the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, ASERT Collaborative, 3020 Market St., Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Paul Turcotte, Mary Mathew & Lindsay L. Shea

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Suite 313, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA

    Eugene Brusilovskiy

  3. PA Department of Human Services, Bureau of Autism Services, 605 Health & Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA, 17120, USA

    Stacy L. Nonnemacher

Authors
  1. Paul Turcotte
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  2. Mary Mathew
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  3. Lindsay L. Shea
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  4. Eugene Brusilovskiy
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  5. Stacy L. Nonnemacher
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Correspondence to Paul Turcotte.

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Turcotte, P., Mathew, M., Shea, L.L. et al. Service Needs Across the Lifespan for Individuals with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 2480–2489 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2787-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2787-4

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