Building Bricks of Integrated Care Pathway for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

An integrated plan within a defined care pathway for the diagnosis, continuative interventions, and periodic redefinition of care of autistic people is essential for better outcomes. Challenges include delivering services across all domains or life stages and effective coordination between health/social care providers and services. Further, in the ‘real world’, service provision varies greatly, and in many settings is significantly weighted towards diagnosis and children’s services rather than treatment and support or adult care. This study aims to identify existing care pathways for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from referral to care management after diagnosis. The study reviewed the international literature in PubMed and PsycInfo databases and collected information on care for autistic individuals from the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Europe (ASDEU) project partners. The study found that published data mainly focused on specific components of care pathways rather than an integrated and coordinated plan of care and legislative indications. They should be aimed at facilitating access to the services for support and the inclusiveness of autistic individuals. Given the need for care addressing the complex and heterogeneous nature of ASD, effective coordination between different health/social care providers and services is essential. It is also suggested that research priority should be given to the identification of an integrated care pathway ‘model’ centered around case management, individualization, facilitation, support, continuous training and updating, and quality management.

Editorial for the IJMS Special Issue on “Neurodevelopmental Disorders: From Epigenetic Basis to Therapeutic Perspectives”

“…Fulceri et al’s review [ 5 ] delved into and identified existing care pathways from referral to post-diagnosis management for individuals with autism through strict criteria in published articles. They examined the challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood, finding that what emerges is the need for multidisciplinary care and effective coordination among various healthcare/social service providers.…”