Expanding the Capacity of Primary Care to Treat Co-morbidities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Van Cleave et al. (2018) talked to 24 people: family doctors, nurses, and parents of kids with autism.

They asked one question: can primary-care teams treat sleep, stomach, and mood problems that ride along with ASD?

Interviews lasted 30-60 minutes and were read for common themes.

Doctors said, "We will help, but we need two things."

First, quick phone or email access to an autism specialist. Second, tip sheets on how to keep the child calm during labs, exams, and pill starts.

When those supports were in place, families reported fewer trips to the ER and less missed school.

Jänsch et al. (2014) showed Scottish clinics already follow ASD assessment rules; Jeanne adds the next step—treat the extra problems after the diagnosis.

Chan et al. (2023) proved a transdisciplinary feeding clinic works when each team member knows their lane; Jeanne urges the same model inside regular pediatric offices.

Li et al. (2018) found most BCBAs feel lost when clients take psychotropic meds; Jeanne gives them a seat at the table by asking for behavioral guidance during medical visits.

Newhouse-Oisten et al. (2017) supply the ethical map for that seat—share data, flag behavioral side effects, and request team review before dose changes.

You do not have to wait for a developmental clinic to open. Call the child’s pediatrician today and offer a one-page behavior plan for labs, shots, or sleep med starts. That single call can cut caregiver stress, reduce no-shows, and give your client faster relief from constipation, reflux, or ADHD symptoms that stall ABA progress.