Parent-reported factors associated with the emergency department presentation of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability with behaviours of concern: a qualitative study

This study highlights the need for families of children with autism and ID and associated BOC to have improved access to appropriately skilled community health professionals, allowing their BOC to be addressed as they emerge rather than at crisis point. The findings additionally highlight the need for changes to the delivery of acute care in the management of BOC, to minimise patient distress and maximise safe and satisfactory patient outcomes.