Resnikoff Annie W, Colantuono Valerie, Wieckowski Andrea Trubanova, Chernak Esther, Plumb Jennifer, Baynard Maurice, Sheridan Elisabeth, Robins Diana L
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, 3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Aug 16. doi: 10.1007/s10803-024-06506-z.
Autistic individuals and persons with other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges in social engagement, sensory processing, and behavior rigidity. This population is more likely to face barriers to successful preventative healthcare, including vaccines, compared to neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals and persons with other IDD may be at greater risk for COVID-19 infection due to sensory dysregulation that interferes with mitigation such as wearing masks, and challenges in social communication that impose difficulties in understanding and adhering to prevention measures. Adaptations are needed to make vaccine opportunities more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A series of seven Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (SFVCs) were conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 in collaboration with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. SFVCs examined perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccine experiences, based on feedback from autistic individual/persons with IDD and their caregivers. Surveys were administered to autistic individuals/persons with IDD or their caregivers (n = 35) from the larger sample who attended the clinic; 18 participants also complete a supplemental interview. Scaled survey questions were analyzed to determine the acceptability of the SFVCs. Open-ended survey questions and interview responses were coded thematically to identify barriers, facilitators, and areas of improvement. All individuals who came to a SFVC with intent to be vaccinated were successfully administered a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 90% of participants reported that experiences at the SFVCs were positive, promoted retention, and they would recommend clinics to others. Staff clinical expertise, sensory-friendly elements, and hosting clinics at a neutral location (free from past medical history) served as facilitators to successful vaccine administration, whereas factors such as ill-equipped pharmacy staff, behavioral challenges, and logistical issues may serve as barriers. Incorporating reported barriers, facilitators, and accommodations of SFVC experiences may lead to more successful preventative healthcare processes for neurodivergent individuals.
自闭症患者以及其他有智力或发育障碍（IDD）的人在社交参与、感官处理和行为刻板方面可能会遇到挑战。与神经典型的同龄人相比，这一群体在获得包括疫苗在内的成功预防性医疗保健方面更有可能面临障碍。自闭症患者和其他有IDD的人可能因感官失调而感染新冠病毒的风险更高，这种失调会干扰如戴口罩等缓解措施，以及社交沟通方面的挑战，这些挑战给理解和遵守预防措施带来困难。需要做出调整，以使神经发育障碍者更容易获得疫苗接种机会。2021年12月至2022年8月期间，与A.J. 德雷塞尔自闭症研究所和德雷塞尔大学自然科学院合作举办了一系列七场感官友好型新冠疫苗接种诊所（SFVCs）。SFVCs根据自闭症患者/IDD患者及其护理人员的反馈，研究了疫苗接种体验中感知到的障碍和促进因素。对来自参加诊所的更大样本中的自闭症患者/IDD患者或其护理人员（n = 35）进行了调查；18名参与者还完成了一次补充访谈。对按比例缩放的调查问题进行分析，以确定SFVCs的可接受性。对开放式调查问题和访谈回复进行主题编码，以确定障碍、促进因素和改进领域。所有前来SFVCs打算接种疫苗的人都成功接种了新冠疫苗。超过90%的参与者报告说，在SFVCs的体验是积极的，有助于留存，并会向他人推荐诊所。工作人员的临床专业知识、感官友好元素以及在中立地点（无既往病史）举办诊所是成功接种疫苗的促进因素，而诸如药房工作人员装备不足、行为挑战和后勤问题等因素可能成为障碍。纳入所报告的SFVCs体验中的障碍、促进因素和便利措施，可能会为神经发育障碍者带来更成功的预防性医疗保健流程。
