The health of college students on the autism spectrum as compared to their neurotypical peers.

LAY ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that children and older adults on the autism spectrum experience more physical and mental health problems than their neurotypical peers. Less is known about the physical and mental health of college students on the spectrum. Studying college students is important because young adults on the spectrum are enrolling in college at increasing rates and because health problems can be a barrier to succeeding in college. We collected data from 2820 students at 14 colleges and universities using an online survey, some of whom had registered for accommodations based on autism and others of whom had not. We used the data to compare the physical and mental health of students on the spectrum to their neurotypical peers. Because students with autism often report other disabilities that also affect health, we accounted for whether they experienced a learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory impairment, mobility impairment, mental health disorder, or any other disabilities. We assessed health using self-reports of how healthy they were physically and mentally, and reports of depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, sleep deprivation, and binge drinking. We found that students with autism reported poorer physical and mental health, more depressive symptoms, and more symptoms of anxiety even after taking into account other disabilities they may have experienced. They were also less likely to report sleep deprivation and binge drinking. Our results argue for developing specialized services to address the physical and mental health challenges of college students on the spectrum.

Using a Semi-Structured Qualitative Interview to Evaluate Pediatric Interns' Use of the Electronic Medical Record in a Simulated Setting.

Introduction Effective use of electronic medical record (EMR) is paramount to delivering safe and effective care. Current EMR education is inadequate, with literature showing frequent deficiencies in skills needed to obtain and interpret data. This study aims to evaluate pediatric interns' perception of EMR inclusion in scenario-based simulation training. Methods A total of 13 pediatric interns participated in an EMR-enhanced, multidisciplinary simulation of a pediatric patient with septic shock during the 2019-2020 academic year. Following the simulation, the interns participated in a semi-structured interview to evaluate the experience of having the EMR incorporated into the simulation and what benefits it offers. Results Of the 13 interns, 12 (92%) felt that incorporating the EMR into the simulation increased the realism of the scenario. All (100%) interns reported that EMR inclusion led to increased learning about the EMR, including gaining or re-learning skills needed to access or interpret electronic clinical data. Participants felt that EMR inclusion in the simulation provided valuable learning opportunities not present in traditional EMR education. Conclusions Integrating the EMR into simulation is viewed positively by pediatric interns, is perceived to improve simulation realism, and helps teach important EMR skills. EMR training would benefit from incorporation into scenario-based simulations.

The Experiences of College Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Comparison to Their Neurotypical Peers.

This study describes the academic, social, and health experiences of college students on the autism spectrum as they compare to students with other disabilities and their non-disabled, neurotypical peers. Data were from an online survey of college students at 14 public institutions (N = 3073). There were few significant differences between students on the spectrum and students with other disabilities. Both groups of students reported significantly worse outcomes than neurotypical students on academic performance, social relationships and bullying, and physical and mental health. The findings suggest that some of the challenges students on the spectrum face in college result from the stigma and social rejection associated with disability rather than from the unique characteristics of autism.