The need for integrated care in autism and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services has never been more urgent. Now, thanks to advanced developments in technology, it’s also more possible.
Prevalence rates for autism and I/DD continue to rise, driven by a combination of expanded screening efforts, updated diagnostic criteria and greater awareness among clinicians, educators and families. At the same time, the complexity of care these life-long conditions require has deepened. There’s a growing recognition that many individuals experience co-occurring behavioral health conditions, and that the impact of a diagnosis extends beyond the individual to the entire family system.
As organizations and providers adapt to this evolving landscape, integrated care models that expand the focal points beyond individuals to include their families are emerging as a critical path forward. Technology, when applied thoughtfully, plays a pivotal role in enabling this holistic, person- and family-centered approach.
Why Now?
Recent studies indicate that 35%–52% of individuals with I/DD also experience mental health conditions. For those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), that number may be as high as 70% according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). This dual-diagnosis reality demands more specialized, coordinated and accessible behavioral health services.
Contributing factors to the rising demand for services include:
Greater use of screening tools in schools and primary care settings
Changes in DSM-5 criteria, which have broadened the diagnostic scope
Increased public awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity
Alongside rising demand comes a recognition: a diagnosis affects more than just one person. Families—parents, siblings and caregivers—are often left to navigate a fragmented system, while simultaneously managing the emotions, financial costs and logistics of long-term care.
Centering Care on the Family
Integrated care should address not only the clinical needs of individuals with autism or I/DD but also the lived experience of their families. Families play a vital, unending role in care continuity, behavior support and emotional regulation, yet traditional systems rarely accommodate their needs.
Modern platforms must go beyond basic electronic health records (EHRs) and case management tools. They need to offer capabilities such as:
Person-centered planning that includes input from the entire care team, the individual and families
Behavior support planning, data collection, and tracking tools
Access to evidence-based interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
A comprehensive EHR that supports these modalities doesn’t just manage records, it becomes an active participant in the care process.
The Role of Technology in Integrated Autism and I/DD Care
When technology is used to support, rather than replace, human connection, it has the potential to transform care delivery.
Virtual and hybrid care have become essential, improving scheduling flexibility and enabling participation across family members and providers. Engagement portals serve as virtual bridges, giving families real-time access to updates, educational tools and the ability to communicate directly with care teams, case managers and direct support professionals (DSPs).
Behavior tracking workflows help generate valuable data that can be analyzed to identify trends, predict outcomes and adjust support plans dynamically. AI and predictive analytics can further enhance these insights, enabling more proactive interventions and personalized care pathways. For example, DSPs using AI-enabled documentation tools can capture progress notes more efficiently, ensuring that no insight is lost, freeing up time for direct client interaction.
AI-powered applications also offer new opportunities for accessibility, such as symbol-to-speech tools that assist with non-verbal communication. While the full potential of these innovations is still emerging, their trajectory points toward a more inclusive future.
Interoperability is another cornerstone of integrated care. The ability to share data across pediatricians, primary care providers and specialists ensures that every provider involved in a person’s care is working from the same playbook.
Maintaining the Human Connection
There’s a common belief that a side effect of the growth and dependence on technology will result in distancing us from one another. In supporting individuals with living with ASD or I/DD, we can make sure the opposite is true. Technology can be the catalyst that brings people together by bridging gaps between mental health, physical health and I/DD support services and helping teams collaborate more effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, it offers individuals and their families a seat at the table. With better tools and more inclusive systems, support can evolve to reflect the full spectrum of needs, identities and voices.
Tricia Zerger is the Senior Director of Human Services Strategy at Netsmart.
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