Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, this study investigated the awareness and training primary care physicians have about the communication differences and sensory sensitivities adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may present. Second, this study examined how primary care physicians accommodate for the communication differences and sensory sensitivities adults with ASD may present, as well as how they integrate caregivers during office appointments. Most of the prior research regarding these topics only focuses on pediatric populations. To expand this literature, data were collected through an online survey that was distributed to primary care physicians. The results revealed that primary care physicians have a strong awareness of the communication differences and sensory sensitivities adults with ASD may present during office appointments. Primary care physicians accommodate for those differences and sensitivities less than half of the time during office appointments, and present varying perspectives about the necessity of caregivers to accommodate for the needs of adults with ASD.

Advisor

Furey, Joan

Department

Communication Studies

Keywords

Primary Care Physician, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Communication Differences, Sensory Sensitivities, Accommodations, Caregivers

Publication Date

2019

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar

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© Copyright 2019 Rachel H. Topper