Background: Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) have poorer health and decreased life expectancy compared to neuro-typical peers. Children with ASD/DD have higher prevalence of visual defects, though limited data exists on vision care over their lifespan.

Study Aims: 1) Assess access to vision care in aging ASD/DD adults 2) Compare barriers to eye care in target population to neuro-typical adults 3) Identify ASD/DD specific strategies to improve vision screening.

Methods: Exploratory Survey: modified national Behavioral Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire administered to ASD adult/or caregiver meeting inclusion criteria. IRB approved. Data tabulated/compared to national statistics (BRFSS and 2005 KAP).

Results: 18 participants (18-33 years old) completed survey, 17 completed by caregivers of ASD adult. Majority had health insurance (89%) and healthcare provider (HCP) (94%). All participants had checkup within two years versus 93% neuro-typical population. Most participants (94%) limited by physical/mental/emotional problems, 44% reporting difficulty with bathing/dressing, 33% requiring special education, 50% unable to work. Majority (83%) had difficulty seeing doctor alone and 72% had anxiety symptoms in past month. Vision examination by HCP in the last two years was lower for participants (72% vs 91%) compared national population. Participants without screening reported greater than 5 years since last vision examination.

Conclusions: Notable barriers are inability to complete doctor visit alone, limited skills/education and underlying conditions. Study limitations include small size and possible non-representative cohort. ASD/DD specific strategies for adult HCPs are utilization of visual supports, social stories, rewards, developmentally appropriate vision tools, photo screeners.