Health-related issues in youth with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this special issue is to bring attention to health-related issues in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the intent to support pediatric medical and behavioral-health providers in caring for patients with ASD. Specific topics discussed include medical conditions observed in individuals with ASD and associated genetic mutations, vaccine hesitancy and beliefs about causes of ASD, expanding ASD-diagnostic supports to community providers, differential diagnosis of ASD, interventions for co-occurring anxiety in ASD, and suicide risk among individuals with ASD. This introductory article provides a brief overview of each paper, including the clinical relevance of each topic.