Specialized inpatient psychiatry units for children with autism and developmental disorders: a United States survey.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2012

Institution/Department

MaineHealth, Psychiatry

Journal Title

Journal of autism and developmental disorders

MeSH Headings

Adolescent, Autistic Disorder, Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Developmental Disabilities, Health Care Surveys, Hospitalization, Humans, Inpatients, Length of Stay, Psychiatric Department, Hospital, United States, Young Adult

Abstract

A cross sectional survey was performed to obtain the characteristics of specialized inpatient psychiatry units exclusively serving children with autism and other developmental disorders in the United States. Identified units were surveyed on basic demographic characteristics, clinical challenges and therapeutic modalities. Average length of stay was 42.3 days, children with autism spectrum disorders constituted the majority of the inpatient population (62.5-87.5%), and obtaining adequate post-discharge services was identified as the greatest challenge. Health policy implications and future research directions are suggested.

ISSN

1573-3432

First Page

1863

Last Page

1869

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