Center News

The Important Role of Psychiatrists in Meeting the Needs of Autistic Children and Adults

When people think of supportive services for autism, they often imagine specially trained teachers, psychologists, social workers, or speech and occupational therapists. They don’t always think of psychiatrists. But they should.

Autistic children and adults often experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Some studies suggest that up to 70 percent of autistic people have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Up to 50 percent suffer from anxiety disorders, and many autistic individuals also experience depression and other psychiatric conditions.

Improving Medical Care for Autistic Patients in the Duke University Health System and Beyond

Going to the doctor can be stressful for anyone. All that poking and prodding, the lab work, and the concern that brought you to the clinic in the first place can combine to make even a regular checkup a taxing experience. 

Now imagine arriving for that same clinical visit with the unique sensitivities and needs that can accompany an individual on the autism spectrum. 

Trainee Spotlight: Helen Root, PhD

 A Well-Rounded Experience in Assessment, Intervention, & Supervision to Better Serve Families

Base running is not typically mentioned in relation to the clinical psychology training experience, unless the trainee happens to be a learner at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. For Helen Root, Ph.D., who was part of the 2022-2023 class in Duke University Medical Center’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship Program, rounding the bases was indeed a highlight of her time at Duke.