The Massachusetts General Hospital Guide to Medical Care in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This book provides an understanding of the challenges that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face in receiving medical care and helps equip medical professionals to overcome these challenges to provide high quality, compassionate medical care to this population. The book is divided into two sections. The first provides a broad perspective, providing background about the health care needs of patients with ASD and potential barriers to care that they may experience, as well as an overview of general principles in the delivery of care for patients with ASD. In the second section, the text focuses on specific medical issues and specialties, taking a systems-based approach to cover every major area of medical care. Each of these chapters discusses the problems in that area of medicine that are commonly encountered in the ASD population and the best approaches to managing these issues. The Massachusetts General Hospital Guide to Medical Care in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder is the ultimate resource for all physicians, allied health care professionals, medical students, residents, primary care providers, and specialists who treat patients with ASD.

Eric P Hazen, MD Director, Pediatric Psychiatry Consult-Liaison Service Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Director, MGH/McLean Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Program Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Christopher J. McDougle, MD Director, Lurie Center for Autism Massachusetts General Hospital Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Introduction: Addressing Challenges and Unmet Medical Need in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.- Considerations in the Office-Based Medical Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.- The Inpatient Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.- Diagnostic Evaluation: Approaches to the History and Physical Examination.- Procedures: Challenges and Strategies.- Quality Improvement in the Medical Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.- Neurological Disorders.- Dental Care.- Ophthalmology.- Disorders of the Ear, Nose, and Throat.- Cardiology.- Pulmonology.- Gastrointestinal Disorders.- Genitourinary Disorders.- Musculoskeletal Disorders.- Dermatological Care.- Surgical Care.- Anesthesia and Pain Management.