Name
Strengths, Challenges, and Needs for Supporting Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome
Description

This session will focus on the emerging trend of overrepresentation of neurodiverse youth in chronic pain treatment programs. Presenters will share data regarding the prevalence of youth with autism in a multidisciplinary amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome program and pediatric rheumatology provider perceptions regarding strengths, challenges, and needs for supporting this growing and under-studied population. This work directly pertains to the practice of providers and multidisciplinary teams in both Rheumatology and other pediatric specialties regarding pain assessment, treatment, and care experiences for patients with autism. We hope this session may help to supplement the varied and often lacking training regarding autism in medical education and increase awareness of this patient population, who require a specialized approach and careful consideration to ensure appropriate treatment. Recommendations will be provided for assessment, treatment, and environmental adaptations to best support this population.

Speakers
Julia Augenstern PhD, Attending Psychologist, Institute for the Family, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), Boston, MA
Michelle Swanger-Gagne PhD, Institute for the Family, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), Rochester, New York
Hannah Peck OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Site Manager, University of Rochester Medical Center,
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Complex Patient Care, Pediatrics, Team-based care
Session Type
Concurrent
SIG or Committee
Pediatrics (PEDs)
Objective 1
Describe current trends regarding the intersection of autism and pediatric chronic pain populations.
Objective 2
Understand potential strengths, barriers, and challenges to providing amplified musculoskeletal pain treatment for youth with autism.
Objective 3
Take away concrete recommendations for providers and clinics to improve care for youth with co-occurring autism and amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome.
Content Reference 1

Han, G. T., Heavner, H. S., Rains, T. R., Hoang, A. H., & Stone, A. L. (2024). Chronic pain in autistic youth: Clinical prevalence and reflections on tailoring evidence-based interventions from an interdisciplinary treatment team. Children, 11(3), 312.

Content Reference 2

Whitney, D. G., & Shapiro, D. N. (2019). National prevalence of pain among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. JAMA pediatrics, 173(12), 1203-1205.

Content Reference 3

Bogdanova, O. V., Bogdanov, V. B., Pizano, A., Bouvard, M., Cazalets, J. R., Mellen, N., & Amestoy, A. (2022). The current view on the paradox of pain in autism spectrum disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 910824.

Content Reference 4

Mason, D., Ingham, B., Birtles, H., Michael, C., Scarlett, C., James, I. A., ... & Parr, J. R. (2021). How to improve healthcare for autistic people: A qualitative study of the views of autistic people and clinicians. Autism, 25(3), 774-785.