EXPERIENCES OF ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to understand the experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder in the emergency department. A literature review was conducted that showed a dearth of information on this topic. I utilized qualitative descriptive (QD) methodology to gain knowledge from blogs to learn about the phenomenology of autistic adults – or their caregivers – when seeking medical attention in an emergency department. This research revealed three themes that created barriers to healthcare: a lack of knowledge from healthcare providers as it relates to autism, patient sensitivities, and communication difficulties.