Sutter Brings Focus to Adult Autism
New clinic fills a gap felt by physicians, patients and care givers

When Michael G. Chez, M.D., Director of Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Epilepsy, went through medical school, only one out of 10,000 children were diagnosed along the autism spectrum. Today, the number has exponentially grown to one out of 150. 

As kids with autism are aging, providers are finding themselves trying to care for a new population of patients; patients with a variety of health conditions, both physical and mental. At Sutter Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Chez and Shawn Kile, M.D., adult cognitive-behavioral neurologist, have formed a new type of treatment protocol for these patients as they transition from the care of a pediatric specialist to adult specialist. The Sutter Transition for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (STAND) Clinic aims to better treat and understand patients with conditions along the autism spectrum as they age.

“The clinic not only keeps difficult patients out of the primary care’s office, it provides support to the patient’s caregiver, whether they are still living at home with family or within a group home,” said Dr. Chez.

According to Dr. Kile, this population of patients is not understood well and lacks access to appropriate treatment. “Sometimes adult patients with autism are classified as being mentally ill or psychotic,” said Dr. Kile. “They can end up on the streets, but if their health was managed properly and if they had a support system, they could live a functional life.”

The Sutter Neuroscience Institute currently offers the STAND Clinic one day a month. Patients and their caregivers meet with multiple physicians, clinicians and support staff. Together, they work on a treatment plan that incorporates the physical, mental and psychological health of the patient.

Physicians can refer patients to the clinic who are over 18 years of age and have neurological care or behavioral issues related to their disability, including epilepsy, sleep disorders, movement disorders, side effects of being on medication for their condition, headaches and other neurological issues. To learn more, or make a referral, call (916) 454-6850.