Digital consultations may narrow sexual health care gaps for autistic youth
A study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that autistic youth are significantly less likely to seek in-person sexual health care compared to their peers. Researchers suggest that digital health consultations could bridge this gap and improve access to preventive services.
Why it matters
Addressing healthcare disparities for neurodivergent populations is essential for improving public health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to medical services.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels Young people with ADHD are more likely to visit youth clinics than their peers, while autistic individuals are less likely to do so. This is shown by a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Autism Research . The results also suggest that digital health care consultations could help reduce these disparities.
The study covered more than 450,000 young people ages 12–22 in Stockholm County. The researchers examined their use of sexual and reproductive health care at youth clinics between 2018 and 2022. In total, nearly 500,000 visits were recorded, more than 90% of which took place in person at the clinics.
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