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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders pp 1–9Cite as

Palliative Care

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Definition: Palliative Care for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The oldest cohort of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is aging, but little has been done to prepare for their end-of-life needs. A review of the literature does not reveal a substantial body of work on end-of-life care for adults with ASD. The purpose of this entry is to introduce caregivers and general clinicians who care for adults with autism to some of the unique challenges of palliative care in this population. It is also intended to familiarize palliative care specialists with some of the unique features of ASD.

There is tremendous variability in an autism spectrum that encompasses nearly every degree of functioning, but some issues in palliative care will be applicable to broad subpopulations of those with ASD. Obstacles related to patient autonomy will include communication challenges, decisional incapacity, and surrogate decision-making. First, some subgroups with ASD will express preferences and...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

    Sam Doernberg

  2. Bioethics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Elin Cortijo-Doval

  3. Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA

    Joseph J. Fins

Authors
  1. Sam Doernberg
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  2. Elin Cortijo-Doval
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  3. Joseph J. Fins
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elin Cortijo-Doval .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Doernberg, S., Cortijo-Doval, E., Fins, J.J. (2016). Palliative Care. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102127-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102127-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

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